Frequently Asked Questions

Except for lands in the Agricultural District under the Intermunicipal Development Plan Overlay, a development permit is not required for Agricultural (Farm) buildings so long as they conform to all other relevant provisions of this Bylaw including setbacks, site coverage, height, etc.:

Types of Agricultural (Farm) buildings include, but are not limited to: 

1. Livestock Shelters 
2. Barns and outbuildings storing agricultural products and farm equipment 
3. Silos 
4. Granaries

Planning and Development Applications

• Water well drilling activity is regulated in Alberta under the Water Act, the Water (Ministerial) Regulation (the Regulation) and the Directive for Water Wells and Ground Source Heat Exchange Systems (the Directive)
• Drilling contractors must submit a drilling report for every well completed to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. The data from these records is maintained in the Alberta Water Well Information Database by the Groundwater Information Centre (780-427-2770). 

Lot grading, including dugout and ponds do not require a development permit, except where grading will:

• significantly affect the existing lot drainage and natural drainage pattern and will create off-site impacts; or
• be in contravention of a previous study or approval such as a Storm Water Management Plan or Area Structure Plan.

For more information visit the Government of Alberta's Water Act: Dugout Fact Sheet.

Note: A dugout or pond must comply with all applicable provisions of the Land Use Bylaw, including setback requirements.

As a landowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that all municipal, provincial and federal regulatory requirements are met prior to commencing work in or near a wetland. 

The Provincial Water Act and Wetland Policy are two of the key pieces of Alberta legislation and policy that govern your rights and responsibilities when working in and around wetlands on your land are the Water Act and the Wetland Policy. 

You can read the Province's Landowner Guide to the Alberta Wetland Policy by clicking the link /DocumentCenter/View/8947/Wetland-Landowners-Guide

The Off-Site Bylaws 2007/38 and 2008/42, requires that development that takes place in the designated area be required to pay a one time off-site levy fee in the amount of $2,034.00. The object of this Bylaw is for the collection of funds to pay for the capital cost of the new and/or expanded facilities for the treatment, movement, or disposal of sanitary sewage. The Levy must be paid prior to the issuance of a Development Permit. 

Any development located within the pink shaded area below is subject to the Off-Site Levy payment.

If a lot is a minimum of one (1) acre or larger, no sewer service is provided, and sewage is to be treated privately on the property, an inspection report from Superior Safety Codes Inc. must be obtained. If a satisfactory sewage inspection report is signed-off by Superior Safety Codes Inc., the Off-Site Levy payment may be refunded in full.

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, no sewer service is provided, 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 may be refunded in full to the Applicant. 

Yes, the Off-site Sewer Levy is for any new or redevelopment of a structure.