Question 1

What stormwater management rules apply to new driveways in NB?

Accepted Answer

New Brunswick municipalities are increasingly enforcing stormwater management requirements for new driveways and expansions of impervious surfaces, reflecting a growing focus on lot-level stormwater control to reduce flooding, erosion, and strain on municipal drainage infrastructure. While NB does not yet have a province-wide stormwater bylaw, Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John all have regulations or guidelines that affect residential driveway projects, and failing to manage stormwater from y

Question 2

What are the NB regulations on cosmetic pesticide use for lawns?

Accepted Answer

New Brunswick restricts the cosmetic use of pesticides on lawns and ornamental landscapes under the Pesticides Control Act, meaning you cannot apply most synthetic chemical herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides to your lawn purely for aesthetic purposes. This ban has been in effect since 2009 and applies to residential properties, public parks, school grounds, and other non-agricultural land across the province. Understanding what is and is not permitted helps you maintain a healthy lawn while

Question 3

What are the fence height restrictions in Moncton New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

In Moncton, New Brunswick, residential fence height is generally restricted to 6 feet (1.83 metres) in rear and side yards and 4 feet (1.22 metres) in front yards, as outlined in the City of Moncton's zoning bylaw. These limits apply to the total height of the fence from the finished grade on the higher side, and they cover all types of fencing including wood, vinyl, chain link, and decorative metal. Understanding and following these regulations before building can save you from costly removal o

Question 4

Do I need an arborist report before removing trees in NB cities?

Accepted Answer

Whether you need an arborist report before removing trees in New Brunswick depends on your municipality, the size and species of tree, and whether the tree is on private or public property — but in Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John, removing significant trees often requires either a permit, an arborist assessment, or both, and unauthorized removal can result in fines. Each NB municipality handles tree protection differently, so checking your local bylaws before cutting is essential.

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Question 5

Are there special landscaping restrictions for heritage properties in NB?

Accepted Answer

Yes, heritage-designated properties in New Brunswick are subject to additional landscaping restrictions that go beyond standard municipal bylaws, and making unauthorized alterations to the grounds of a designated heritage property can result in orders to restore the site to its original condition. The level of restriction depends on whether the property is designated under the provincial Heritage Conservation Act or under a municipal heritage bylaw, and whether the heritage designation specifica

Question 6

What are the rules for landscaping near wetlands and watercourses in NB?

Accepted Answer

New Brunswick has strict regulations governing any landscaping, grading, or construction activity near wetlands and watercourses, enforced through the Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Regulation under the Clean Water Act — and violating these rules can result in significant fines and mandatory restoration orders. The core requirement is that a 30-metre buffer zone must be maintained along all watercourses and around regulated wetlands, and any alteration within this zone requires a permit from

Question 7

What permits are required for building a retaining wall in Moncton NB?

Accepted Answer

In Moncton, retaining walls over 4 feet (1.2 metres) in exposed height generally require a building permit, and walls of any height may need approval if they're near property lines, public rights-of-way, or in flood-prone areas along the Petitcodiac River. The City of Moncton's building inspection department administers permits, and requirements are based on the National Building Code of Canada as adopted by New Brunswick.

For walls under 4 feet in height, a building permit is typically not req

Question 8

Do I need a permit to build a shed or gazebo in my NB backyard?

Accepted Answer

In most New Brunswick municipalities, sheds and gazebos under 108 square feet (10 square metres) do not require a building permit, but larger structures do — and all structures regardless of size must comply with zoning setback requirements for your property. The specific threshold varies by municipality, so always check with your local building inspection office before starting construction.

The general rule across most NB municipalities follows the National Building Code of Canada as adopted

Question 9

What are the tree removal bylaws and regulations in Saint John New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

Saint John has tree protection bylaws that regulate the removal of trees on both public and private property, with specific requirements depending on the tree's location, size, species, and the property's zoning designation. Before removing any significant tree on your Saint John property, check with the city's urban forestry department or development services to determine whether your specific situation requires a permit, a replacement planting, or falls under heritage tree protection.

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Question 10

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Fredericton New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, residential fences in Fredericton do not require a building permit, but you must comply with the city's zoning bylaw regulations regarding height, setbacks, and materials — and certain situations do trigger permit requirements. Before building any fence, check the specific regulations for your property's zoning designation through the City of Fredericton's Development Services department, as rules vary between residential, commercial, and heritage zones.

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Permits & Regulations