Applying for a Development Permit

Development permits and approvals need to be obtained for new construction, renovations, or changes to how a building or land is being used. Examples of projects or activities requiring a development permit include:

• Construction, replacement, relocation or demolition of a building
• Changes to the land by grading, excavating or stockpiling
• Operation of a business
• Changes to the intensity of use of land for a building

Dwelling

When preparing a development permit application for a dwelling, the following documents should be ready before you apply:

• A detailed site plan showing the development location (include setback distances from all lot lines), existing buildings, the location of the public road, and hard surfaces such as paved parking areas. (link to sample site plans)
• Building plans (new build), and/or picture of the dwelling if you are moving an existing dwelling to the lot
• A roadside development permit if your lot is within the highway setback distance of 300 m from a highway or 800 m from a municipal road/highway intersection

You can apply for a development permit without the documents above but be prepared to submit them later as the application will not be processed until all documents and the payment is in place.

Commercial and Industrial Uses

When preparing an application for a home-based business, industrial or commercial use the following documents should be ready before you apply:

• A detailed site plan showing the development location if it includes anything tangible like heavy truck storage or accessory building where the use is to happen (include setback distances from all lot lines), existing buildings, the location of the public road, and hard surfaces such as paved parking areas. (link to sample site plans)
• Building plans (new build), picture of the accessory building if you are using an existing building for the use.
• A roadside development permit if your lot is within the highway setback distance of 300 m from a highway or 800 m from a municipal road/highway intersection.

You can apply for a development permit without the documents above but be prepared to submit them later as the application will not be processed until all documents and the payment is in place.

Tab: Development Permit Application – Commercial and Industrial Uses (fillable pdf) and link to online application form

Accessory Building

If this accessory building is for a use that has not yet been approved, please use the application form for commercial and industrial uses. For all other accessory buildings, the following documents should be ready before you apply:

• A detailed site plan showing the development location (include setback distances from all lot lines), existing buildings, the location of the public road, and hard surfaces such as paved parking areas. (link to sample site plans)
• Building plans (new build), picture of the accessory building if you are moving an existing accessory building to the lot.
• A roadside development permit if your lot is within the highway setback distance of 300 m from a highway or 800 m from a municipal road/highway intersection.

You can apply for a development permit without the documents above but be prepared to submit them later as the application will not be processed until all documents and the payment is in place.

Development Permit Basics

Development Permits are needed if you plan to: construct a building; replace a building; relocate or demolish a building; change the land by grading, excavating or stockpiling; operate a business; or otherwise change the intensity of the intensity of use of land for a building.

MD staff must review the application to ensure it complies with the Land Use Bylaw. This document outlines the types of development allowed in each land use district and the rules and regulations governing those uses. In some cases, applicants may have to apply for a redesignation prior to making a development permit application.

We recommend the following steps when preparing your application:

1. Determine what you want to build and verify that your land use zoning / district allows that development
2. Draw a site plan
3. Apply for a development permit
4. Start the development within twelve months of the date of the development permit approval
5. Complete the development within three years of the approval

Subdivision & Development Appeals

Anyone who claims to be affected by a development and who wishes to lodge an appeal against any of the conditionally-approved developments must do so in writing to the Secretary of the Subdivision & Development Appeal Authority on or before the dates as noted in each notice.

Appealing a Development Permit

Any person claiming to be affected by a development permit may file an appeal. You can appeal a pending development permit in the event that:

• The development permit is refused
• The development permit is issued subject to conditions
• A decision has not been made within 40 days

Other Requirements

You may also need a safety code permit for your construction project. Please contact the Alberta Safety Code Authority (ASCA) or visit the Safety Codes Council website.