Some of our readers may or may not know about the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC). If you intend to build in the Niagara Escarpment, there are a few things you should be aware of. The NEC was put in place 35 years ago to protect and manage the Niagara Escarpment (NE) and it is essential to the conservation of the escarpment (NEC, 2017). The Niagara Escarpment is a large area that stretches from Western New York, through Ontario. It then runs through Michigan down to Wisconsin ending northwest of Chicago near the Wisconsin-Illinois borders. It has been a great experience dealing with the NEC, it is a professionally run organization and they only have the best of intentions for the NE. Once you find a piece of property located in the Niagara Escarpment, there are steps to take and a structured procedure to follow which works great for the client. The following steps are required to obtain a developmental permit:

1. Layout of the building on the property

2. Shop drawing

3. Septic layout/water supply (ex. wells)

4. Proposal of the building on the property

5. Survey of the property

After all these steps have been completed, we are then able to submit your application to the NEC. The purpose of the NEC permit is to design and situate development in an environmentally compatible way (NEC, 2017). After the NEC approves the application, it simplifies the process in gaining permits from the local municipal offices. We work in the NE area on a regular basis which benefits the client, as it ensures the project is on track. Alair Homes Bradford, specializing in custom home building, believes that it is a great opportunity to work with the Niagara Escarpment Commission as it protects the client and ensures peace of mind for all involved.