Commercial Zoning
Many parts of East Hants are regulated by the 2016 Land Use Bylaw. Generally, Mount Uniacke, East Gore, and the Highway 102 Corridor are in the planned area. Commercial Zoning in East Hants is encapsulated in Section 8: Separated Commercial Zones [PDF] of the 2016 Land Use Bylaw.
Brief Description of Commercial Zoning Designations in the 2016 Land Use Bylaw
- It is strongly recommended that property owners refer to Section 8: Separated Commercial Zones [PDF], and contact either the Economic and Business Development Department or the Planning and Development Department prior to making development decisions.
| GC – General Commercial Zone |
Intent
- To provide areas within the community that are primarily retail and service business in character which fit in primarily residential areas.
- Two Dwelling Unit Residential (R2) Zone Uses are permitted, as are limited residential uses in conjunction with commercial development.
- Uses primarily by development permit
- Detached buildings
- Small to medium footprint
- 1½ – 3 storeys
- Dwellings above commercial
- Design fitting with residential areas
- Concealed or screened parking
- Residential-compatible commercial
| HC – Highway Commercial Zone |
Intent
- To provide for commercial uses which make extensive use of land, especially automobile-related uses that serve the travelling public.
- Uses primarily by development permit
- Detached or joined buildings
- Medium to large footprint
- 1 – 3 storeys
- Buffering from sensitive uses
| RC – Regional Commercial Zone |
Intent
- To provide for commercial uses which are regional in scale, such as shopping malls. The requirements seek to encourage common access and parking, and help preserve land for these uses.
- Mixed-use development agreements are permitted where properties front on the Nine Mile River.
- Uses primarily by site plan approval
- Detached or joined buildings
- Medium to large footprint
- 1 – 4½ storeys
- Potential for shopping centres
- Special access allowances
- Buffering from sensitive uses
- Limited residential developments
| BP – Business Park Zone |
Intent
- To allow for a wide range of office, retail, and light industrial uses within a pre-designated areas, thus encouraging a concentrated commercial growth pattern and alleviating land use incompatibility.
- Uses primarily by development permit
- Detached or attached buildings
- Small to medium footprint
- No maximum building height
- Broad commercial use allowances
- Concealed or screened parking
- Large buffer requirements
| IC – Industrial Commercial Zone |
Intent
- This zone allows for a wide range of industrial uses, which by their nature, may generate noise, fumes, odours and that may be noxious or hazardous.
- Large-scale or complementary commercial and service oriented uses are also permitted.
- Uses primarily by development permit
- Detached or attached buildings
- Small to large footprint
- No maximum building height
- Broad commercial use allowances
- Concealed or screened parking
- Large buffer requirements
- Noxious uses by development agreement
All properties with a zoning designation have associated permitted uses. The 2016 Land Use Bylaw details all of the zoning information you’ll need to know for each property. If you have any questions, please contact our Planning & Development department.