Calgary Development Permits for Custom Homes
Development permits in Calgary are required for all new development projects, change in use, or additions to existing properties. Based on the Alberta Municipal Government Act and the Calgary Land Use Bylaw, development permits involve plan reviews, approvals, and site inspections to determine whether the proposed development meets the required engineering, planning, and environmental policies. As a whole, the development permit process takes everything from land use and site development to landscaping and transportation into consideration.
All these permits and processes can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, especially to first-time property builders. So, to help make things easier for you when planning your next custom home development, we’ve outlined a few key points surrounding Calgary development permits, including what they are, why you need one, and the application process.
What is a Calgary Development Permit?
A development permit is what the city of Calgary uses to review a proposed development and determine whether it meets the requirements provided in the Land Use Bylaw and other policies or plans, including area redevelopment plans and the Alberta Municipal Government Act. It’s essentially used to confirm that all regulations and planning policies were accounted for and provides a way for any neighbours, community associations, and other concerned individuals to review and provide feedback on the proposed development.
Why You Need a Development Permit for a Custom Home in Calgary
In Calgary, a development permit is needed whenever a new property is being built, or changes or additions are being made to existing buildings. The development permit needs to prove the type of development and that local zoning and development bylaws and policies are met. While some projects are exempt from a development permit, custom homes are not excluded since they involve significant changes to the property.
Regardless of the type of project you’re considering, however, it’s always advisable to check with the Calgary Planning Services Centre to find out whether and what kind of permits you need.
Applying for a Calgary Development Permit
When planning a new permit application, a Development Permit Survey, also known as a DP survey, is usually the first type of land survey you’ll require. At this stage, it’s highly recommended that you work in cooperation with a land survey company, the local municipality, and your architect to find out what needs to be included in the Development Permit Survey. Once this and all the other requirements are met, it’s time to submit your application for an initial review.
Submitted applications are typically checked within 20 days, and a City of Calgary file manager will contact you if you need to submit additional information or documentation. Your application may also need to go through a Bylaw review, where it will be cross-referenced against Land Use Bylaw rules by a specialized review group.
Once the review is accepted, a temporary notice may be placed on the property to let neighbours and others around you know about your development permit application. They may then send feedback directly to the person in charge of your development permit. Neighbours, community associations, or other third parties have 21 days to submit their feedback.
During this time, your file manager will begin their detailed review, including things like assessing the neighbourhood, researching and applying applicable
planning policies, researching whether any legislation may affect the application, receiving and responding to community feedback, and finally preparing a written detailed review. At this point, you may be asked to amend your application or provide additional information and will be given a specific time limit within which you can do so.
Once the detailed review is complete and any additional information is provided, your file manager will let you know whether your Development permit application is approved or denied. If your permit is approved, information about your permit will be publicly announced and the public has 21 days to appeal the decision with the Subdivision and Appeal Board. If it’s denied, you also have 21 days to appeal the decision with the same board. If no appeals have been filed and you’ve fulfilled all the requirements, your development permit will be released, and you’ll be free to continue with your development project.
Calgary Development Permit Surveys
New developments, including custom homes, will require a Development Permit Survey as part of the development permit application process. For the best chances of getting your permit approved and avoiding unnecessary delays, it’s important to work with a professional land survey company like Arc Surveys. Contact us today for more information on Calgary Development Permit Surveys or fill out our online form to request a quote on your next Development Permit Survey. We look forward to working with you on your next project.
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