Subdividing Land 

Redistricting or rezoning is the process of changing the land use district that applies to a particular parcel of land. By changing a parcel’s zoning it changes what is allowed to happen on a property. 

Land use districts for properties specify the: 

• Purpose of the land 
• Permitted and discretionary uses of the land 
• General regulations which include minimum parcel size and setbacks, maximum building heights, number of dwellings, etc.  

If a land use is not listed in a zoning district, landowners may have the option to redistrict a portion or the entire parcel to another district where such uses are listed. Multiple zoning districts can exist within a quarter section.  

Once the completed application and payment have been received, the application is reviewed by the Planning and Development Department. Then the application is referred to various government agencies, adjacent municipalities and internally for review and comment. Once all referrals have been received, a Public Hearing date is scheduled, advertised for two consecutive weeks and adjacent landowners are notified of the Hearing. The application is presented to Council for redistricting approval or denial.  

The application fee for redistricting is $800.00 

All redistricting applications are approved by County Council via the Public Hearing process.  

The average redistricting application takes 2-3 months for final approval.  

Applicant must provide the following information: 

• Completed application form, which includes the intent and reasoning for redistricting  
• Aerial map of area to be redistricted  
• Landowner(s) signatures 
• Application fee 

• More intense subdivision and development proposals will require an Area Structure Plan to be submitted and approved prior to land redistricting. 
• Additional studies, testing and approvals to determine the suitability of the subject lands for development may also be required and shall be the responsibility of the developer. These may include Environmental Impact Assessments, Geotechnical Reports, Engineering Reports, Hydrogeological Assessments, etc. 

A registered owner of a parcel can apply for subdivision, or a person authorized on their behalf.   

Subdivision must follow the requirements set out in the County’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP). A copy of which can be found here.

Generally, a subdivision takes approximately 3 to 6 months to complete. Some of the mandated timelines include:  

• Deeming an application complete – 20 days 
  
• Referrals to agencies & adjacent landowners – 21 days 
  
• Review of complete subdivision application to condition approval – 30 days 
  
• Appeal period – 21 days 
  

Fulfilment of subdivision conditions – subdivision approvals are valid for 1 year. All conditions of a subdivision must be completed within that year. Extensions for an additional year may be granted but the request and fee must be submitted before the file expires.  

MPS is the designated Subdivision Authority, contracted by the County of Wetaskiwin. Applications can be sent by mail or email to:  

Municipal Planning Services (2009) Ltd.  

#206 17511 – 107 Avenue NW  

Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1E5 

Or email: admin@munplan.ab.ca  

As per Municipal Planning Services’ website, requirements include:  

• Application Fee  
• Application for Subdivision (must be completed in full and signed)  
•  Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) Abandoned Wells Statement (whichever is applicable)  
•  Authorization for Electronic Communication   
•  Information about Sewage Disposal System(s) **To be completed for each private sewage disposal system on the subject property**  
• Landowner Letter of Authorization **Must accompany all applications where the applicant is not the landowner OR where there is more than one registered landowner.  Please note that signatures are required for ALL registered landowners**  
• Certificate of Title (obtained within 3 months of the submission of the application) **Please note that if one is not provided, we may acquire one on your behalf for a fee**  
• Tentative Plan of Subdivision (with area and dimensions of the proposed lot(s) and remainder parcel)  
• An orthophoto of the subject site (including proposed and remainder parcels)  
• Any other items or information identified during pre-submission consultation.    

Municipal Planning Services have set their fee schedule. A copy of the fee schedule can be found here MPS Subdivision Fees.

When developing a multi-lot subdivision in the County, a Developer's Agreement is required. This agreement mandates the developer to undertake specific works as part of the subdivision approval process. Additionally, the County charges an administration and inspection fee of $100 per lot created.

Design and engineering requirements are typically necessary only for multi-lot subdivisions.

For subdivisions where more than six lots are created on a quarter section utilizing groundwater, provincial legislation mandates water tests. These tests must be conducted by a professional engineer and can cost several thousand dollars.

Road construction is usually required for multi-lot subdivisions. Occasionally, a single lot may also necessitate road building. The cost estimate is $16 per linear foot, but it may increase in challenging conditions or for smaller projects. All roads must meet the County's standards.

The Land Titles Office charges a fee for registering your subdivision plan. This cost will be included in your surveyor's bill.

Council passed Off-Site Bylaws 2007/38 and 2008/42, requiring any new or redevelopment of a structure that has plumbing, is required to pay a one-time Off-Site Sewer Levy Fee of $2,034.00 that stays with the property. This fee is designed to contribute to the capital costs associated with the expansion and upkeep of the Alder Flats and Mulhurst Lagoon infrastructure, ensuring it can effectively manage and process sewage. Payment of this levy is required before a Development Permit can be issued, with no exceptions.

The Off-Site Sewer Levy only applies to properties highlighted in red shown on the County map below. 

The Off-Site Sewer Levy is separate from utility services. While you may pay for utility services, the Off-Site Sewer Levy is specifically designated to contribute to the expansion and maintenance of the Alder Flats and Mulhurst Lagoon, where sewage is transported. This fee supports the capital costs associated with the development and upkeep of the lagoon infrastructure, ensuring it can effectively manage and process sewage.

To verify the status of the Off-site Sewer Levy payment, you can reach out to the Planning and Development department either by email or by calling 780-352-3321. This allows you to confirm whether the Off-site Sewer Levy for your property has been paid or is still outstanding.

If you have a lot that is one (1) acre or more, and you are treating sewage waste on your private property, you must obtain a Sewage Inspection Report from Superior Safety Codes Inc. This report should outline the type of private system used for sewage treatment and certify that the system has been installed following the Safety Codes Act.

If a satisfactory sewage inspection report is signed-off by Superior Safety Codes Inc. the Off-Site Sewer Levy payment will be refunded in full to the applicant. 

No, the Off-site Sewer Levy is only triggered for any new or redevelopment of a structure that has plumbing.