Residential Development

Dwellings

Any building to be used as a dwelling (house) requires a development permit. This means any building that contains a kitchen, sleeping areas, and a bathroom, and is capable of year-round occupancy.

Dwellings do not include Recreational Units or detached temporary accommodation (i.e. guest cabins, yurts, etc.) in a campground.

Types of Dwellings Include:

Detached Dwelling: The building is constructed on-site.
Move-In Dwelling: Previously occupied detached or modular dwelling that is transported in whole or in parts to a new building site. Moved in dwellings do not include recreational units, park models, new modular homes, or mobile homes.
Modular Dwelling: The structure must have CSA-A277 certification as a ‘Modular’ and cannot be built to CSA-Z240 standards and must be set on a subgrade foundation, such as a grade beam, with a heated crawl space or basement. Modular Dwellings include Ready to Move Homes (R.T.M) but shall not include detached dwellings, mobile dwellings, or moved in dwellings.
Mobile Dwelling: The structure must have CSA-A277 certification as a ‘Mobile’ and must be constructed in accordance with the CSA-Z240 standards for foundations such as blocking and steel piles with an enclosed and insulated joist space. A mobile dwelling includes manufactured homes but does not include park models, recreational units, modular dwellings, detached dwellings, or moved in dwellings.

Note: Per Section 9.6.3 (c) of the Land Use Bylaw, a security deposit of $5,000 is required for previously used or occupied dwellings at the time of submitting your development permit application. This security ensures that the requirements outlined in Sections 9.6.1 and 9.6.2 are completed to the satisfaction of the Development Authority. Once proof of completion is received, the deposit will be refunded in full to the applicant.

Accessory Buildings

An accessory building is a separate structure on a property, like a shed or detached garage, that isn’t attached to the main dwelling (house).

If the building is smaller than 14 m² (150 ft²), follows all rules for setbacks, lot coverage, and height for your district, you don’t need a development permit.
For any building 14 m² (150 ft²) or larger, or if it doesn’t meet the rules (e.g., too close to a property line), you’ll need a development permit.

This applies whether the building has a permanent foundation or is movable (e.g., on skids).

Note: Farm buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes do not require a development permit but must follow the setback requirements specified for your district.

Applying for a Development Permit FAQs

Where can I get/submit a development permit application?

Development Permit applications can be obtained and then submitted three ways:

By email – request an application or submit the application to wpermits.
The County office - 243019A Highway 13 (southside of Highway 13 across from Reynolds Alberta Museum entrance)
By regular mail - Box 6960, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2G5

Planning and Development Applications

What do I need to submit with my development permit application?

The required documents may vary depending on what the proposed development is; however, majority of development permit applications require:

Completed development permit application form,
Drawings (blueprints),
Floor plan,
CSA Certification for all Mobile and Modular Homes,
Site plan, and
All application fee(s) to be paid in full.

Applications are NOT considered complete until ALL of the required information and fees have been provided. An incomplete application form and/or illegible supporting information may result in the application being returned to the applicant. Please refer to the checklist on the back of the application. Fees will be determined after application is considered complete.

Click here to contact the Planning and Development department for any questions regarding the application or application process.

Site Plan Example:

Examples of drawings/measurements required:

Shed	Garage	House

Planning and Development Applications

What is a site plan?

A site plan is a detailed, dimensional plan/drawing showing all buildings/structures on a site and their distance to:

Property lines
Pipelines/Well Heads
Bank breaks

All setbacks are required to be measured from the property line, not from the road or center of the road. The site plan should also show the square footage of all buildings, and where access into the parcel is (driveway/approach).