A Niagara Escarpment Development Permit is similar to a municipal building permit. The difference is that a Niagara Escarpment Development Permit considers the impact of a development proposal on the Escarpment landscape and natural environment. The objective is to design and situate development in an environmentally compatible way.Note: Municipal building approvals and other permits may also be required but those can only be issued after the Development Permit.Applications for Development Permits can include:proposals for new single dwellings or additions/renovations to theminfrastructure including roads and pipelinesquarriessand and gravel pitslot creationagriculture including on-farm diversified uses and agriculture-related uses and the establishment of wineriesirrigation or recreational pondsaltering the grade of land including the importation of excess soilchanges in the use of any land, building or structure (including but not limited to commercial, industrial or institutional uses)Minor alterations to a property or structure may not require a Permit (For a list of possible exemptions, please see section Ontario Regulation 828/90 and consult with NEC staff).If your application is for a temporary or recurring event, you must submit your application well in advance of the scheduled date to allow NEC staff enough to review your application. You may also require a municipal special event permit, so contact your local municipality about their requirements.