Landscaping, Decks & Pergolas in Hubley, NS

Hubley is a residential community in the Halifax Regional Municipality, roughly 15 km from downtown Halifax, on Trunk 3 between Upper Tantallon and Timberlea. It is primarily made up of three subdivisions (Lake of the Woods, Sheldrake Lake and Three Brooks) and was once known as Fourteen Mile House for its distance from Halifax; it takes its present name from Alexander Hubley (Wikipedia).

For Hubley homeowners, outdoor projects are about making a home on a commuter route comfortable and private. Here is what to plan for.

Making the most of your yard

Decks and pergolas add living space and shade. Decks need permits and frost-protected footings, and HRM can tell you whether a pergola on your lot needs one.
Paver patios and walkways give a durable, low-maintenance surface for entertaining and entrances.
Plants, trees and sod finish yards in the subdivisions and add privacy.
Low voltage landscape lighting lights paths, beds and entrances after the commute home.
Fencing in chain link, wood or PVC for pets and privacy.

Lakes and brooks: plan for water

Hubley’s subdivisions take their names from water: Lake of the Woods, Sheldrake Lake and Three Brooks. If your lot is near a lake or brook, ask HRM about watercourse buffers before you build; HRM’s deck FAQ says a deck’s site plan must show any watercourse buffers (HRM’s deck FAQ). 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.

HRM rules worth knowing

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
Fences. The Nova Scotia Building Code exempts fences, but in HRM Building By-law B-201 covers anything over 2 m (6.5 ft), with a permit, community council approval and notice to neighbours. For normal fences, your zone’s land-use by-law sets the height and setback limits. 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

Always double-check with the municipality (halifax.ca or 311); requirements and fees can change from one season to the next.

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. Decks, pergolas and patios are popular spring builds, so request a quote in winter to secure an early start.

Services we offer in Hubley

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

Composite and wood decksDecks built to code, with permits in mind.PergolasShade and structure for patios and decks.Paver patios & walkwaysPatios, walkways and entrances built on a properly prepared base.Plants & tree installationsShrubs, trees and garden beds.Low voltage landscape lightingLighting that shows off your beds, paths and entrances after dark.Sod installationInstant lawns on properly graded soil.Chain link, wooden & PVC fencingPrivacy, pets and boundaries.Drainage solutionsMoving water away from your house and hardscaping.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a deck in Hubley?

Yes. New or replacement decks need an HRM building permit, and footings need at least 4 ft (1.2 m) of frost protection when the deck is attached or higher than 2 ft (HRM’s deck FAQ). Confirm current requirements with HRM before building.

Do I need a permit for a fence in Hubley?

Fences are exempt from the Nova Scotia Building Code, but HRM regulates fences over 2 m (6.5 ft), and your zone’s land-use by-law sets ordinary height and setback limits. See HRM’s permit information and confirm before building.

Does Dunbrack’s serve Hubley?

Yes. Hubley is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality, which we serve in full. Call (902) 943-2526 for a free quote.

Ready to plan your Hubley 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.