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Development Permits

Landowners in the Niagara Escarpment area are required to obtain a development permit for certain types of development.

Do you need a permit?

Find out whether you need a development permit from the Niagara Escarpment Commission. Use our interactive map to determine whether your property is located within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area and/or Area of Development Control.

Applying for a permit

A Niagara Escarpment Development Permit is similar to a municipal building permit. The difference is that a Development Permit considers the impact of a development proposal on the landscape and natural environment of the Niagara Escarpment.

NEC Decision Appeals

After a Notice of Decision is made, anyone who receives a copy of the Notice of Decision may appeal to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry in writing within fourteen (14) days.

Compliance & Enforcement

When a potential violation (occurrence) is identified, our staff gather and consider information about the occurrence, including compliance history and the potential environmental impact.

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