- You can find your land use district by visiting Discover Parkland and searching the address of your property.
- View your applicable land use district in the LUB to learn if your project is a listed use in your district and find applicable regulations like setbacks or site coverage.
Development Permits
Development permits help ensure that buildings and activities on a property are suitable for the land use district, specific parcel, and are compatible with neighbouring properties. A development permit is written approval from Parkland County that your plans meet the regulations in the Land Use Bylaw (LUB).
Do I need a Development Permit?
If you plan to construct a new building, alter an existing one, change how a property is being used, or change the scale to which a property is being used, you will need a development permit.
Typical developments that require a permit include:
- Residential Development (i.e. new dwelling, moved-on dwelling, garage, shed, secondary suite, etc.)
- Business Development (i.e. home based business, commercial, industrial, cottage industry)
- Land Development and Preparation (grading, tree clearing, resource extraction)
Once you have your development permit and safety code permits in place you may begin construction of your project.
Book a Pre-Application Discussion (for Major Developments)
If you are planning on developing a major project such as RV storage, gravel pit, campground, or other large-scale commercial development, book a pre-application discussion with Planning and Development Services by emailing planning@parklandcounty.com. The pre-application discussion request must include the meeting agenda (including any specific questions you may have), the proposed parcel, and a description of your proposed development (include any tentative drawings, if applicable). At this meeting, you can learn more about land use, development regulations and permitting requirements.
Application Forms and Guides
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. Explore Parkland County's Planning and Development Handbook, Application Guides and Checklists, and Video Walkthroughs to help you understand the planning process and prepare your application.
Application requirements vary depending on your project. Our forms and guides outline the drawings, documents, studies, and information you need to submit.
With PLANit Help, you can find step-by-step instructions, videos and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you navigate PLANit Parkland.
Have Questions or Want to Discuss a Project?
Our team is here to help. You can connect with a member of the Planning and Development team by:
- Sending us an email at planning@parklandcounty.com
- Calling us at 780-800-9300
- Visiting the Parkland County Centre during regular business hours
- Booking a 30-minute Chat with a Planner meeting (in-person or virtual). A Planning Advisor will contact you to confirm your appointment details
- If you are planning on developing a major project such as a large -scale commercial or industrial development, or relocating your business to Parkland County, book a pre-application discussion through the PLANit Application Portal
Looking to Submit an Application?
PLANit is our online tool that allows you to manage all your applications for your home, your business and your land. Apply for building and development permits, check the status of your application, pay online, book inspections and more.
Steps to Apply for a Development Permit
Submit your applications online using PLANit Parkland which makes it easier to apply, track your application status and correspondence, and view your approved development permits.
Applying is easy following these three steps:
1. Gather required documents for your application:
- Site Plan
- Elevation Drawings
- Floor Plans
- Certificate of Title (No older than 30 days)
- Landowner Authorization Form (signed by at least one landowner)
- Any other documents required (if applicable)
2. Create a PLANit Portal Account:
You can find instructions on creating a portal account on the PLANit Help webpage, including a YouTube how-to-video.
3. Apply for your permit on the PLANit Portal:
- On the Portal Main Page, choose the area of application (Development Permits Application)
- The type of project (for example: New Home is “Development Permit – Residential”)
- The Permit Type (example: New Home is “Residential – Single Detached”)
- Make your way through the application steps and upload the documents you prepared
Frequently Asked Questions
What Regulations are Considered for a Development Permit?
A development permit application can consider information such as:
- Whether a use is permitted or discretionary in your Land Use District
- Intensity of a land use
- Building height
- Building site coverage
- Setbacks from property lines
- Proximity to environmentally sensitive areas
- Impact to neighbours
- Other development details (landscaping, lighting, parking, etc.)
- Compliance with Parkland County's Municipal Development Plan and other statutory documents
You can find detailed regulations specific to your project in the LUB under your Land Use District and Section 11 and 12.
A development permit does not exempt you from applicable federal, provincial and other legislations, regulations and approval requirements. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all applicable approvals are obtained before commencing a development. You must also comply with the conditions of any caveat, covenant, easement or other instrument affecting a building or land. If you are unsure if any of the items listed are registered to your property, you can obtain your Land Title from a provincial registry office. See Land Titles for more information on how to obtain your Land Title.
Permitted Use vs. Discretionary Use
Permitted Use Development Permits
- These are developments that comply with the Land Use Bylaw and fall under the Permitted Use section of the applicable land use district.
- See your applicable Land Use District in Part 2 of the LUB for a full list of permitted uses.
Discretionary Use Development Permits
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- These are developments that require additional considerations to ensure they are suitable for the proposed location or require a relaxation to any regulations of the LUB (variance).
- Discretionary Use Example: Secondary Suite in Country Residential District
- Variance Example: Proposed garage does not meet required Development setbacks.
- Discretionary Use permits are subject to a 21 day appeal period after approval.
- These are developments that require additional considerations to ensure they are suitable for the proposed location or require a relaxation to any regulations of the LUB (variance).
View fees associated with development and other applicable planning fees that may apply for your project. Permit fees vary based on the type, size and value of your project.
Seeking More Information About Lot Grading?
Click here for an overview and a copy of the planning application checklist: Lot Grading Program
What Happens After I Submit My Application?
- Intake review: we review your application to determine fees and notify you via email when fees are payable. Applications are not considered complete until fees are paid in full.
- Application review: The development planner will review your application to ensure all required documents are received. If we have all the information we need, we may not contact you until a decision is made.
- Decision: Following a detailed review, you will receive the results of the decision via email.
- Next Steps:
- Obtain safety codes permits or other required approvals - make sure you obtain a building permit within 12 months of the issue date, or your development permit will be invalid.
- Complete any outstanding Conditions, if applicable
- Start your project
You can check the status of your application at any time via PLANit Parkland. Once the development permit is submitted, you can also submit your safety codes applications (also through PLANit).
How Long Will It Take to Get My Development Permit?
Permit processing times vary depending on the volume of applications, type of development, complexity of the project, whether the development is Permitted or Discretionary, and location of the property.
Typical residential permits for Permitted Uses generally take 4-6 weeks when a complete application is received (all required documents and information are provided upon submission).
Typical commercial/industrial/and land preparation permit applications generally take 6-8 weeks when a complete application is received (all required documents and information are provided upon submission).
If additional information or revisions are required, these timelines may be increased.
