Municipal Planning & Land Use By-laws

Welcome to the official Municipal Planning website of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality

CBRM Forward: Shaping Our Future

At CBRM, we believe in responsible and sustainable development. Our commitment to the well-being and growth of our community is reflected in our comprehensive planning framework, CBRM Forward. Under the authority granted by the Province's Municipal Government Act, we have adopted a Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law that serve as the cornerstone of our planning

Municipal Planning Strategy: Guiding Our Growth

Our Municipal Planning Strategy provides a clear policy framework for the systematic and organized development of our Municipality. It sets the stage for sustainable growth by outlining our vision and policy statements. This document serves as a valuable reference point for everyone involved in shaping our community's future.

Land Use By-law: Turning Vision into Reality The CBRM

Land Use By-law is our primary tool for translating the goals outlined in the Municipal Planning Strategy into actionable guidelines. It prescribes specific land-use designations, governing how properties within our Municipality can be used. This document establishes standards for the physical layout and organization of buildings, covering aspects such as lot dimensions, building height, setbacks, parking requirements, and amenity space.

Subdivision By-law: Fostering Well-Planned Communities

Our Subdivision By-law is dedicated to promoting thoughtful community development within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. This essential document provides guidelines and regulations for the adjustment of property boundaries. It addresses critical aspects such as lot size, access, and street design. Our Subdivision By-law ensures that new lot parcels align with our broader community vision for sustainable growth.

A Valuable Resource for All

Our planning documents are not just for municipal staff and council members. They provide essential guidance to a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including developers, neighbors, and decision-makers. These documents clarify which types of land uses are encouraged in our region and those that are not. This guidance empowers decision-makers to make informed choices about future land uses, and it assists developers in determining whether their proposals align with our community's objectives.

Access Our Planning Documents

For your convenience, you can access the latest versions of the Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law, and Subdivision By-law right here on our website. Simply click on the links below to explore these essential planning resources:

Municipal Planning Strategy

CBRM Land Use Bylaw July 2023

Regional Structure Map

Future Land use Map

Transportation Map

Subdivision bylaw

Interactive Map

These documents are crucial references for anyone interested in the growth and development of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Thank you for visiting our Municipal Planning website. We look forward to working together to create a vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous future for our community.

If you have any questions or need further information, please do hesitate to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..