New Development

Getting Started
First, contact the Planning and Development Department (403) 948-8848 to set up a pre-application meeting to discuss your proposal. Once you have outlined your proposal we will advise you of the basic process, which includes:

  1. Whether the proposal will meet the intent of the City’s vision
  2. What information to submit with the development application
  3. Application fees
  4. Process timeline

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Development Application

1. Complete The Development Permit Application

Fill out a development permit application (36 KB, .PDF)

2. Processing The Development Permit Application

  • Once the application is completed and submitted to City Hall the application is circulated to various internal departments and if necessary, external agencies.
  • If any concerns or specific needs are identified the applicant will be advised and may be asked to contact other departments or agencies for special requirements or approvals.
  • Once the Development Authority is satisfied and the application complies with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw the development permit will be conditionally approved by the Development Authority.

This process takes approximately six to eight weeks. If the application must go to the Municipal Planning Commission please allow for a longer time frame.

3. Once The Development Permit Is Approved

  • An advertisement is published in the local paper for a two week period in accordance with provincial law to allow for an appeal (see appeal process).
  • In order to have the permit issued all pre-issuance conditions of approval must be met.
  • A Development Agreement must be entered into and 100 percent performance securities for site work be provided. This is requested to ensure the project will be completed.

4. Once The Applicant Complies With The Standard Conditions The Permit Will Be Issued And Work On Your Project May Begin.

5. The Appeal Process

If the proposal does not comply with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw, or the applicant does not agree with the conditions, the applicant may appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). The appeal must be registered with the SDAB within 14 days after being notified of the decision.

Persons or groups affected by the proposed development may also appeal if they disagree with the Development Authority’s decision to grant a permit. They must submit the appeal in writing to the SDAB within 14 days of the decision.

6. Expiry Of Development Permit

Development must begin within one year from the date of issuance of the development permit and the development must be complete within two years. An extension may be
requested if needed (there is a fee for this service), however there is no guarantee that an extension will be granted.

7. Development Completion Certificate

Once the project is completed a Development Completion Certificate (DCC) must be applied for in writing. The City will inspect the site to see all conditions of the development permit have been completed in accordance with the approved plans. The City may require:

  • Digital and/or hard copies of the “as-built” drawings for any services installed as part of the development
  • A letter from an Alberta engineer confirming the site grading, drainage and servicing has been constructed according to the approved design
  • Digital copies of the approved development permit drawings
  • If all conditions of the development permit have been met, the DCC will be issued and securities refunded.

If the requirements and conditions are not met, the City will request the owner/developer complete the development according to the requirements and conditions of approval and give a timeline for their completion.

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Landscaping

Submit the landscaping plan
Landscaping plans must be submitted with the Development Permit Application and meet the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Planning Department for more information at (403) 948-8848.

Landscaping site plan should show:

  • The layout of soft and hard landscaping, pedestrian circulation and open space systems, screening and fences, berms, slopes and retaining walls
  • The types, sizes and numbers of plant material and the types of hard landscaping
  • A plan clearly identifying the existing topography and vegetation that will be retained and removed
  • Any other special site conditions
  • In multi-family development, playground equipment may be requested depending on the size of the project
  • Any area not constructed upon must be developed or landscaped to the satisfaction of the City
  • Irrigation must be provided on all commercial, industrial and multi-family sites

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Engineering

  1. A copy of the site plan will be circulated to the Engineering department for review and comment. Once items pertaining to the specific site are identified the comments are returned back to the Planning Department.
  2. Usually, the Development Permit is conditionally approved with one of the conditions: site servicing and grading plans be submitted for review and acceptance by the Engineering Department. In most instances, Engineering requires three copies for internal circulation and review. More copies may be requested depending on the complexity of the site.
  3. The review process takes one to two weeks; then comments are submitted to the developer (or their agent) for revision and re-submission. If accepted, these plans become the “for construction” set.
  4. Once site construction has been completed and prior to release of security for the site, an engineer stamped letter is required. The letter must confirm that the intended design for servicing and grading has been met. A set of “as built” drawings is also required.

    Detailed Engineering Requirements

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Building Permits
A building permit may be applied for once the following Development Permit processes have been completed:

  • Mandatory advertising has been completed
  • Development agreement has been signed
  • Letter of credit has been received

Building Permit Application Forms

Important: All applications MUST have the Permit Application Checklist filled out and attached to each application.

Checklists

Commercial

Please Allow Three To Four Weeks For A Permit To Be Issued. Depending On The Complexity Of The Project, A Longer Time Frame May Be Necessary.

Inspections

To order an inspection:

  • Call our Inspection Request line at (403) 948-8833. Be prepared to provideyour permit number, address of inspection, contractor name, stage of inspection and the date you require your inspection.
  • All work done under a permit must be inspected. Inspection requests received after 12 p.m. will be reviewed the following day.

    Please leave the following information:
  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Site address
  • Type of inspection

A fee will be applied at the time of inspection. If any of the following is noted:

  • No address posted on site
  • Inspection not ready
  • Previous noted infraction not corrected

No inspection will be performed the day of phone call. Please allow 24 - 48 hours for the inspection to be completed.

Call for Inspection Check List Commercial

Occupancy

  • Please ensure the building has not been occupied prior to calling for a final inspection.
  • Purchase an Occupancy Permit from the Building Inspections Department located at City Hall (400 Main Street). You can download the application below and bring payment to City Hall with the completed application.
  • Prior to calling for final inspection provide the building Inspections Department with the following documentation:
  • Sprinkler Verification
  • Fire Alarm Verification
  • C-! Schedules from the coordinating professional. C-2 Schedules form the structural, mechanical, electrical and geotechnical professionals
  • Call and arrange for a final inspection: (403) 948-8833.
  • Inspections for building, HVAC, plumbing, gas, electrical
    Inspections for fire and health must be made through the phone numbers indicated on the occupancy permit
  • Signoffs for City of airdrie finances, utilities, engineering and development must be arranged at City Hall.
  • Occupancy will be granted once the Building Inspector has signed off the occupancy sheet.
  • Commercial Permit Occupancy Check List
  • Occupancy Permit Application
  • Occupancy Declaration

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Community & Opportunity