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Development permits are required before beginning new construction, major repairs to buildings, land use changes, soil excavation work, or signage installation. These permits approve the use of a site and the size, location, and type of buildings or structures on that site. The types of permits vary and are dependant on the needs and scope of the project. When it comes to development permits, keep in mind:
The Land Use Bylaw defines what types of developments require permits, rules for use and exemptions.
Change of use permits are required before a business moves into a retail, commercial, or industrial space. Permits are required regardless of whether the building is new or already existing.
Home business permits are needed for home-based businesses that use more than 35% of their homes for business, or involve visitors, employees, deliveries, or product manufacturing.
A mobile vendor business operates from a portable cart, truck, or similar setup, selling food, beverages, goods, or services. Mobile vendor application processes vary depending on where your business will be located (private property, public road or at an event).
An accessory suite is a secondary living space on the same property as the main home. It can be a garage suite, garden suite, or secondary suite/unit. Accessory suite permits are approved by the City and are required to ensure municipal safety standards are met.
Supportive housing is a type of housing designed for people who need extra support to live independently. It is generally combined with on-site or off-site services, such as help with daily living, health care, counselling, or employment assistance. A supportive housing permit is required for both long-term accommodations in residential areas and for long-term care facilities within Airdrie.
A sign permit is required to install a new sign on a building or to place a portable sign outside.
A variance is a type of development permit that allows for a relaxation or exception to certain rules in the Land Use Bylaw. Variances are requested when a project or development doesn’t fully meet Bylaw requirements. Issues could involve spacing between structures, how tall a building is, or how much of the lot is used.
A urban agriculture permit for backyard hens allows residents to keep a small number of hens on their property under the City’s Urban Agriculture program.
A permit is required for new or modified curb cuts, second driveways, or any driveway widening, which involve creating or expanding vehicle access to the street.
A road closure application is required whenever road or street access will be temporarily shut or disrupted. When submitting your application, you will need:
A stripping and grading permit is required when you plan to remove topsoil or alter the elevation or slope of land before construction or development begins.
A land use amendment application is required when a landowner wants to use their property for a use that currently isn't allowed in the Land Use Bylaw.
Development permits allow the City to review and approve projects before they begin, helping to maintain community standards and safety. They are required for:
A subdivision is created when an owner of a piece of property divides it into smaller parcels, which can then be developed or sold. Within larger area or neighbourhood structure plans, subdivisions are typically created and processed in a number of phases.
Master site plan applications are detailed planning submissions required for large or complex developments, such as mixed-use, commercial, industrial, large residential or other large sites with shared infrastructure.
If you have an existing development permit that is about to expire and need more time to complete the work, you can appy for a time extension.
To help make sure developments follow the City’s standards and wrap up properly, Airdrie uses a few key certificates throughout the permit process:
These certificates will be available to submit when your development is ready for completion or acceptance.