Permit Timelines
Have a question about development permits?
Visit NVCA’s office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 3 pm
How long will it take to get an NVCA permit?
Once you have discussed your plans with NVCA, we will give you a list of supporting materials to submit with your application.
As a general rule, the more complete an application is upon submission, the quicker the review timeline can be. NVCA offers a pre-consultation service for those who wish to know what is required before formally submitting a permit application to ensure all requirements are outlined and expectations are clarified.
To avoid delays, please ensure all required information is included in your application.
Once a permit application is submitted, NVCA staff will conduct a risk- based review within 21 days to confirm that all required information has been received. If we have not received all the required information, NVCA will clarify the information required and ask you to supply the required information.
During the risk based review, NVCA staff will determine whether it requires a major or minor permit.
Minor permits
NVCA strives to issue a decision within 30 days
Minor permits apply to applications that pose a low risk from natural hazards to people and property.
These applications do not require technical information or supporting documents. Once an application is deemed complete, NVCA aims to issue a decision on minor permits within 30 days.
Major permits
NVCA strives to issue a decision within 90 days
Major permits apply to applications that pose a higher risk from natural hazards to people and property.
These applications require technical information or supporting documents and go through a more detailed review process. Once an application is deemed complete, NVCA strives to issue a decision on major permits within 90 days.
Permits are typically issued for 2 years, with the possibility of an extension for up to 5 years.
Your projects must also comply with your local municipal by-laws and Official Plan. For more information, please contact your local municipality.
If your property is located in the Niagara Escarpment jurisdiction, you must obtain proper approvals from the Niagara Escarpment Commission prior to applying for a permit from NVCA.
Permits from other organizations
For residents applying for permits along the Georgian Bay shoreline, you may also need permits from, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Residents bordering Wasaga Beach Provincial Park (including beach) must apply for an Ontario Parks work permit through the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) before commencing shoreline works along provincial park beaches.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
Midhurst District (Zones 10, 11, 14, 15, 16)
- Midhurst MNR Office: 705-725-7500
- Owen Sound MNR Office: 519-376-3860
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)
Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)
Ontario Parks, Southwest Zone Office: 519-873-4001
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
867 Lakeshore Rd
Burlington ON L7S 1A1
Telephone: 1-855-852-8320
Email: FisheriesProtection@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Contact NVCA’s Regulations Team
Contact NVCA’s Regulations team by phone, visit NVCA’s office or book an appointment through our Online Request Portal.
NVCA is committed to our Customer Service Charter, and will respond to voicemail and email inquiries within 2 business days.
Ask us a general question.
Submit your request online
If you’d like to know if your property is regulated, or what the permit application process is like, submit a General Inquiry on our Online Request Portal.
Please have the property address and your project concept ready.
Email or call us
Email: permits@nvca.on.ca
Phone: 705-424-1479 x 268
Visit us at NVCA’s Administration Office
Address: 8195 8th Line, Utopia ON L0M 1T0
Office hours
Visit NVCA’s office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m – 3 p.m. for walk-in inquiries. Please note we are closed between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. for lunch.
Mondays and Fridays are available by appointment only.
Book a pre-consultation appointment
For a smooth, efficient process and to keep your permit application on the right track, book a pre-consultation with NVCA’s Regulations team!
What you need for your pre-consultation
- Have your property address, concept, drawings and site plan ready
- Pre-consultations are $578. This fee will be deducted from the final permit application fee.
- Have your property address, concept, drawings and site plan ready
- Submit a Request for Pre-consultation or email us at permits@nvca.on.ca to book an appointment. NVCA will reach out to you to schedule a meeting at the earliest available date and time to discuss your project further.
What you receive at the pre-consultation
- Clarification about NVCA’s permitting process
- Whether additional review by our engineering and ecology staff is required
- A summary of your discussion
- A checklist of what to submit with the permit application
Who to Contact
Regulations Team
705-424-1479 x 268
permits@nvca.on.ca
Planning & Permits