Permits

For projects that require road space, like bike corrals and Open Street programs, permits are required. What kind of permit is needed depends on the ownership of the roadway.

Provincial Roads

Many roadways in Nova Scotia fall under the jurisdiction of the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal [TIR]. Road closure permits on TIR’s roads are free of charge, but do require:

  • A letter of request, including the date, time, and section of road.

  • A petition signed by all affected residents and businesses stating they have no objections.

* Proof of liability insurance coverage between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000 may be required.

Once the application is submitted with all required materials, TIR should respond within 10 business days.

  • TIR may request more information before approving or rejecting your application, so apply early.

Additional Info can be found at https://novascotia.ca/tran/hottopics/lpa.asp

Municipal Roads

Most Roads that do not fall under TIR jurisdiction fall under municipal jurisdiction, and each municipality has it’s own rules.

As Bike Corrals and Open Streets events do not neatly fall under typical municipal road closure permit categories, having contacts in your municipal government that understand and support your project can help you navigate atypical permit requests.

  • Lead time for permits can be as long as 120 calendar days, or as short as 24 hours, but 10 business days is typical.

  • Whatever the lead time may be in your municipality, plan to have your permit application ready 2-4 months before your project. Leaving buffer time allows for any negotiations or discussions needed to clear up confusion when securing your permits.

  • For Open Streets events, buffer time between securing your road closure permits and the day of your event allows time for vendors to secure any permits they need to operate at your event.

Additional Permits

Vendors and community groups setting up tents at Open Streets events can bring life to a space and foster connections between residents, businesses, and local causes, however they may require additional permits.

  • Setting-up tents, occupy tents, and selling food or merchandise can each require additional permits or licenses.

  • Put out your initial call for groups and businesses that may wish to have a booth present at your event early in the planning stages, this gives them time to think about whether and how to participate.

  • Follow-up with interested parties when you have secured your road closure permits and can confirm the date, time, and place of your event. When following up with each group or business, help them identify what permits they’ll need and how to to apply.

  • Applying for your road closure permits early will provide more time for participating booths to navigate the permit process.