Permit Approvals
Applications for development permits are required to:- Be submitted in the form prescribed by the municipality
- Be signed by the registered owner or his agent where a person other than the owner is authorized by the owner to make application. Accurate information is required by the development officer and must be verified by a Statutory Declaration
- State the proposed use or occupancy of all parts of the land and building and other information required by the development officer
All site plans (in duplicate or triplication at the discretion of the development officer) must be provided and must identify the following:
- Front, side and rear yards
- Outlines of the roof overhangs on all buildings
- North point
- Legal description of property
- Location of existing and proposed municipal and private local improvements, principal buildings and other structures including accessory buildings, garages, carports, fences, driveways, paved areas, and major landscaped areas including buffering and screening areas where provided
- The grades and locations of the adjacent streets, lanes, sewers and utilities servicing the property
- The height and horizontal dimensions of all buildings, existing and proposed
- The finishing floor elevations in the basement and main floor in the principal and accessory building where applicable
- On a vacant parcel in an residential district, the suggested location for a future driveway and garage or carport, if the application itself does not include such building as part of the proposal
- Any other pertinent information or tests required by the Development Officer respecting the site or adjacent lands
The development officer may require an application for a development permit to include a detailed landscaping plan (in triplicate) of the entire site to show grading, loading and parking areas, tree planting or removal, grassed area including location and species of shrubs and trees, playgrounds and parks. Lot grading and servicing plans prepared by a professional engineer may also be required.
The above items may not all apply to your project, please contact a development officer at the Planning and Development Department for more information.
Next Steps
Once you have applied for a development permit you application will be reviewed by the development officer and possibly circulated for review to other city departments.
You will be informed of any concerns or specific needs. Once these concerns are resolved and the proposed development meets the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw, your permit will be issued. Your permit may be issued subject to conditions specific for your development.
Does a Development Permit Expire?
A Development Permit will expire after one year from the date of issuance unless:
- Significant development has commenced on the site
- The development officer has granted an extension
Once started, a development is not to be discontinued or suspended for a period more than six months unless the applicant requests an extension (in writing) and the development officer has notified the applicant that discontinuance or suspension may be continued. If the notification of extension has not been obtained the development permit will be considered expired.
Application for Building Permit:
The following information shall be included on the plans:
- Specifications drawn to a scale of not less than 1:100.
- Foundation plans showing walls, footings and column pad footings.
- Floor plans showing room layouts and proposed use of all rooms.
- Details of floors, walls and roof construction.
- Details of columns, beams, window and door lintels.
- Interior finishes of floors, walls and ceilings.
- Cross section and exterior elevation views.
- Location and description of all fixed equipment.
- Details of fire detection systems, firewalls, fire separations and fire resistance ratings.
- Location of exits and access to exits.
- Required water meter size.
- Mechanical work such as plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.
- Electrical work.
- Architectural involvement where applicable.
- Engineering involvement where applicable.
The above items may not all apply to your project, please contact a Safety Codes Officer at the Planning and Development Department for clarification.
Next Step:
The length of time for the approval process varies depending on the proposed building. If the plans and specifications are approved you will receive a Plans Examination Report indicating the following:
- The scope of the project with respect to the Alberta Building Code.
- Any Building Code deficiencies or restrictions.
- Instructions of when and how to proceed.
- The quality and type of site inspections that will be required.
Building Inspections:
On the back of each building permit is a schedule of when you are required to have your project inspected. Contact the office 48 hours in advance to arrange for a Building Inspection. When you call the Planning and Development at 780-980-7124, arrangements will be made with a Safety Codes Officer to inspect. If the Safety Codes Officer identifies any problems, it is your responsibility to have them corrected. This may require re-inspections to ensure compliance.
Does a Building Permit Expire?
Yes, active work must be started within 90 days from the issue date and if work is suspended or abandoned for 120 days, a new permit must be obtained.
Remember, the proposed development must be approved prior to approval of a building permit.
Please be aware that if the proposed development is a discretionary use under the Land Use Classification in the Land Use Bylaw the approval is subject to a 14 day appeal period. Any persons affected by the development have the opportunity to appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board if they disagree with the decision of the Development Officer in approving the permit.