Development Permits FAQs
Development permits are required in Saddle Hills County pursuant to the Saddle Hills County Land Use Bylaw. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding these permits.
Why do I need a development permit?
A development permit ensures that the proposed use of the land does not conflict with surrounding uses. The development permit can ensure that the development is set back the appropriate distances from property lines. Setbacks are also required to ensure that the development is located in a safe place so that it isn’t too close to river/creek banks, oil and gas facilities, etc.
How do I get a development permit application?
Development Permit application forms are available at the Saddle Hills County Administration Office, or can be downloaded from this web site.
Is there a development permit application fee?
Yes. The fee is $50.00 for the first $50,000.00 of construction value (or portion thereof) and then $20.00 for each additional $50,000.00 of construction value (or portion thereof) to a maximum permit fee of $2,000.00 (Example: A development with a construction value of $385.00 will have a permit fee of $190.00).
How long does it take to get a development permit?
According to the Municipal Government Act, a development authority has 40 days in which to make a decision on a completed development permit application. If further information has been requested upon receipt of an application, the 40 days begins after all of the necessary information has been provided. Generally, a straightforward application doesn’t take this long, but it is advised to plan ahead and submit your application well in advance of starting the development.
When can I start my development?
After submitting a Development Permit Application, you must first receive a Notice of Decision from the Development Authority. There is a two week appeal period following the date of decision and, assuming there are no appeals, the development may only take place AFTER the two week appeal period.
How can a development permit be appealed?
A development permit may be appealed by the person applying for the permit or by anyone who is negatively affected by the development. The applicant may appeal if the development permit is refused, or if they object to one or more conditions of the approval. An appeal must be submitted within 14 days of date the Notice of Decision and be addressed to the Secretary of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board at Box 69, Spirit River, AB, T0H 3G0. Development Appeal Application forms are available at the County Administration Office, or can be downloaded from this web site. The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board will hear the appeal within 30 days of the appeal being filed.
Development Permit application forms can be downloaded from this web site.
Saddle Hills County is a non-accredited municipality in the disciplines of Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Gas and Private Sewage under the Alberta Building Safety Codes. Information concerning these disciplines and the Building Safety Codes please call Municipal Affairs at 1-866-421-6929 for information.
municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/cp_permit_information_search.cfm
Follow the above link to the Municipal Affairs Safety Codes Website for further information on permits and agencies authorized to issue permits within Saddle Hills County.
The following agencies are authorized by Alberta Municipal Affairs to issue permits and provide compliance monitoring in Non-Accredited Municipalities.
Superior Safety Codes Inc.
Phone: 1-877-882-8777
Fax: 1-877-882-8775
www.superiorsafetycodes.com
The Inspections Group Inc.
Phone: 1-866-554-5048 or 780-454-5048
Fax: 1-866-454-5222 or 780-454-5222
www.inspectionsgroup.com/association.aspx
Canadian Safety Consulting Services
Phone: 1-877-780-7233
Cell: 780-897-1998
Fax: 1-888-780-7232
albertasafetyinc@yahoo.ca
