Building and Renovating
Are you looking to start a residential building or renovating project in Parkland County and not sure what permit requirements and regulations apply? We're here to help!
Parkland County regulates residential building projects through development and safety codes permits. These permits ensure that projects are safe and compatible with neighboring land uses.
Understanding the permits and approvals process
Did you know that there are different kinds of permits that you may need before you begin your project? For most projects, you will require a development permit followed by safety codes permits.
Development Permits review the use, location, and size of a building based on the Land Use Bylaw regulations.
Safety Codes Permits review projects for conformance with the National Building Code of Canada: 2020, Canadian Electrical Code, Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code, National Plumbing Code of Canada: 2020 and the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice 2021.
What can I do on my property? |
The location, size, and use of buildings and other factors are regulated in our Land Use Bylaw. Before determining what you can do on your property, you will need to determine your Land Use District. Determine your Land Use District using Discover Parkland.
Each Land Use District has a set of permitted and discretionary uses which can be found in our Land Use Bylaw. Permitted uses are those deemed suitable in the Land Use District. In residential districts, these often include Single Family Dwellings and Accessory Buildings (garages, shops, sheds). Discretionary uses ensure that the location of the use is compatible with adjacent parcels, as not all sites in the land use district may be suitable for this type of development (i.e. Secondary Suite, Home Based Business). Discretionary uses are also subject to a 21-day appeal period, during which neighboring landowners have the right to appeal a decision. |
Do I need a Development Permit for my residential project? |
All dwellings, secondary suites, accessory buildings (over 10 meters-squared) and renovations or additions that expand building footprint (covered decks included) require a development permit. To learn more about application requirements for different types of development projects, view “Types of Building Projects” below. |
Do I need a Safety Codes Permit for my residential project? |
The Alberta Safety Codes Act requires that all contractors and homeowners in Alberta get a safety codes permit before starting work on buildings covered by the National Building Code – 2019 Alberta Edition, or work governed by the Canadian Electrical Code, Alberta Gas Code or National Plumbing Code of Canada. Your project may need development permit approval prior to getting a safety codes permit.
The major benefits of getting a safety codes permit are:
The services you can normally expect to receive with a safety codes permit are:
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How to apply for permits with Parkland County
Parkland County has an online system, PLANit, where you can apply for permits! Our system makes it easier to apply, track your application status and correspondence, and view your approved permits all from one place – anywhere and anytime!
Check out PLANit ParklandApplying is easy following these three steps:
- Gather required documents for your application
View available forms and checklists on PLANitForms
2. Create an Account on the PLANit portal.
You can find instructions on creating a portal account on the PLANit Help webpage including a YouTube how-to-video
3. Apply for your permits on PLANit Parkland.
You can find instructions on how to submit an application on the PLANit Help webpage including a YouTube how-to-video
On the Portal Main Page, choose the area of application: Development, Building, Electrical, Gas, or Plumbing, & Private Sewage Permits
Choose your project type, and then your permit type.
Answer all questions and upload your supporting documents.
Apply for a development permit
Apply for the required mechanical permits depending on your project.
These can include:
Please Note: You cannot begin construction on your project until you have all your required approved Development and Safety Codes permits.
Permit processing times vary depending on the type of application, property district, complexity of the development, and other factors. Once a development permit is approved, you have 12 months to apply for your Safety Codes Permits.
Application resources and checklists
You can view available forms required for your PLANit Parkland applications, as well as checklists and other resources to help you prepare for your project. With PLANit Help, you can find step-by-step instructions, videos and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you navigate PLANit Parkland.
The information you must submit varies depending on the type of project. Our application forms include checklists that help you determine what types of drawings and information are required.
Contact Planning and Development Services for assistance
If you are planning a project and need assistance, you can contact one of the Planning and Development Services team members by emailing hello@parklandcounty.com or by visiting the Parkland County Centre. Our team members can help answer your questions about land use, development restrictions and permitting requirements, and advise if you need permits from other agencies.
Permit fees and charges
View County fees associated with building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits and gas permits, and other fees that may apply for your project. Permit fees vary based on the type, size and value of your project.
Inspections
Learn how to book any necessary inspections with Parkland County for your building project. Inspections may be needed at various stages of your project and permit applications.
Types of building projects
Most home building projects in Parkland County require the appropriate permits before you begin work. These may include any combination of:
View the information below to discover the checklists, processes and forms you will need to complete your PLANit Parkland application for your specific project.
Dwellings (includes new single-detached dwellings and manufactured homes) |
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Residential dwellings (including manufactured homes) require:
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Accessory Residential buildings (garages, shops, sheds) |
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Residential structures exceeding 10 m2(108 m2) require: Note: Buildings under 10 m2 must still meet all Land Use Bylaw regulations (i.e. setbacks).
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Renovations and additions (includes basement finishing and installing new electrical outlets, gas lines or plumbing fixtures) |
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View the following resources to help you make an application for a renovation to your home:
View the following resources to help you make an application for an addition to your home: Development Permit Resources: If you are expanding the footprint of your home, expanding the livable square footage (ex: converting garage space to bedroom), or creating a secondary suite, Development Permit approval is required. Finishing a basement does not require development permit approval if none of the above apply to your project.
Safety Codes Permit Resources:
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Building a second dwelling, secondary suite or garden suite |
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Secondary SuitesA secondary suite (also known as a garden suite, in-law suite, basement suite or garage suite) is a discretionary use in many districts of the Land Use Bylaw. You will need development permit and safety codes approval from the County. View our Secondary Suite Application Package for more information. A Secondary Suite:
Types of Secondary Suites:
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Second Dwelling |
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An additional single-detached dwelling may be considered on agricultural parcels greater than 28 ha (not subject to floor area restrictions). The following application guides and information is applicable to applying for a second dwelling: Development Permit Resources Safety Codes Permit Resources
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Decks, Fences, and Landscaping |
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Deck information and checklistsView the following resources to help you make an application for a deck exceeding 2 feet height from average grade:
FencesFences built within the following parameters do not require development permit approval:
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Installing a hot tub, stove or solar panel system |
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View the following resources to help you make an application for installing a hot tub, stove or solar system: |
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Installing a new private sewage system |
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View the following resources to help you make an application for installing a new private sewage system: |
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Drilling a well |
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You do not need approvals or permits from Parkland County to drill a well on your land. However, before drill a well, we suggest that you:
View the Government of Alberta's overview of working wells to learn more about how to care for wells. View the Working Well Fact Sheet: Drilling a New Well. |
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New buildings for agriculture, livestock, hay and/or equipment |
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Farm or agricultural accessory buildings (i.e., a granary) may not require permits if the structure is:
A development permit is not required for permitted farming activities. |