Halifax was founded in 1749, when Edward Cornwallis reached Chebucto Harbour with settlers and the first wooden fort went up on Citadel Hill (Parks Canada). Today “Halifax” also names the whole Halifax Regional Municipality, formed in 1996 when the cities of Halifax and Dartmouth, the town of Bedford and Halifax County amalgamated (Wikipedia). That means the rules in this guide apply from the peninsula to the suburbs.

The Dunbrack name is already on the city’s map: Dunbrack Street is named for Roy Dunbrack, a surveyor for the City of Halifax (Wikipedia). Owner Connor Amero renamed the business in his great-grandfather’s honour in 2026, and a surveyor’s habit of measuring twice and getting the details right is how we approach every yard we work on.

The rules every Halifax outdoor project runs into

Most surprises on an outdoor project come from permits and buried utilities, not from the work itself. These are the ones that come up most often in HRM:

  • Decks. A building permit is needed for a new or replacement deck; HRM’s deck FAQ calls for footings with a minimum 4 ft (1.2 m) of frost protection on attached decks and decks over 2 ft high, plus a site plan showing property lines and any watercourse buffers. Source
  • Retaining walls over 1 metre. Walls above 1 m on a residential lot require an engineer-designed, engineer-certified build and a Lot Grading Permit under By-law L-400, and nothing, footings included, may cross your property line. Source
  • Driveway work at the street. Driveway, curb and culvert changes at the street edge need a right-of-way permit under the Streets By-law (S-300), and the by-law generally sets two-way residential driveway widths at 3–5 m where they reach the road. Source
  • Underground utility locates. Before any excavation, request locates. Halifax Water says requests go through Info-Excavation (1-866-344-5463, online or the mobile app), and its locates are free of charge. Source

By-laws and permit rules get updated, so check the current version with HRM (halifax.ca or 311) before you commit to a design.

Drainage and grading: the part you can’t see

Water is what damages patios, walkways and lawns over time. Halifax Water’s seasonal checklist recommends correcting lot grading so water is directed at least 2 m (6 ft) away from the foundation, extending downspouts and sump discharge pipes the same distance, and installing a sewer backwater valve. Poor lot grading and drainage are among the causes Halifax Water lists for basement flooding (Halifax Water), which is why we treat grading as part of every patio, walkway and sod job rather than an afterthought.

Halifax Water also notes that it looks after the sewer main under the street up to your property line, while the pipe from the property line to your house is the homeowner’s responsibility. Know where your lateral runs before any digging starts.

Projects we’re asked about

  • Landscape design, plants and tree installations to give a property a plan instead of a patchwork.
  • Paver patios and walkways and retaining walls to make the most of small or sloped lots.
  • Decks, pergolas and fencing for privacy and outdoor living.
  • Low voltage landscape lighting to light paths, beds and entrances after dark.
  • Excavation, drainage solutions and asphalt installation for the groundwork underneath it all.

When to book

Search patterns across Nova Scotia (Google Trends) show interest in landscaping rising from March and peaking in May, with winter the quietest stretch. In practice that means the best-planned projects are quoted in winter or early spring and built from April to June. We respond to quote requests within 24 hours, and Connor takes an active role in estimating and planning.

Services we offer in Halifax

Every project starts with a conversation and a free quote. We respond within 24 hours, and we’re available any day of the week.

Landscape designPlanting plans, bed layouts and a plan for the whole property.Low voltage landscape lightingLighting that shows off your beds, paths and entrances after dark.Paver patios & walkwaysPatios, walkways and entrances built on a properly prepared base.Retaining wallsStructure for sloped yards and grade changes.Composite and wood decksDecks built to code, with permits in mind.Chain link, wooden & PVC fencingPrivacy, pets and boundaries.Drainage solutionsMoving water away from your house and hardscaping.ExcavationSite prep, grading and digging for new builds and installs.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Halifax?
Yes. New or replacement decks need a building permit, and HRM’s deck FAQ requires footings with at least 4 ft (1.2 m) of frost protection for decks attached to the house or higher than 2 ft. See HRM’s deck FAQ and confirm current requirements before building.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Halifax?
On a residential lot, a wall taller than 1 m needs a Lot Grading Permit and an engineer’s design and certification under HRM’s By-law L-400. Confirm the rules for your property with HRM before you start.
Which parts of Halifax does Dunbrack’s serve?
We serve the entire Halifax Regional Municipality, including Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth, Sackville, Cole Harbour, Clayton Park, Hammonds Plains, Fall River, Timberlea and Hubley. Call (902) 943-2526 and we’ll confirm your neighbourhood.

Ready to plan your Halifax project?

Tell us about your property and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours with a free, no-obligation quote.

Get a Free Quote (902) 943-2526

Sources

Facts about this area and the rules above come from these sources. By-laws, fees and permit requirements change, so confirm with the municipality before you start.

  1. The Four Citadels — Parks Canada
  2. Bedford, Nova Scotia — Wikipedia
  3. Dunbrack Street — Wikipedia
  4. Decks: frequently asked questions — Halifax Regional Municipality
  5. By-law L-400, Respecting Lot Grading — Halifax Regional Municipality
  6. Streets and Services permits — Halifax Regional Municipality
  7. Click before you dig — Halifax Water
  8. Seasonal checklist — Halifax Water
  9. Basement flooding & sewer backup — Halifax Water
  10. Google Trends: landscaping searches, Nova Scotia, past 5 years