Frequently Asked Questions

Development Permit- County of Wetaskiwin

A development permit is needed when you are planning to construct an improvement or structure on your property. A development permit ensures land use and/or location of the structure on the property is appropriate. Examples include a new house, an addition on to an existing house, a shed, garage, or any other structure. The County offers this service as defined in the Land Use Bylaw. A development permit ensures the proposed development meets the County’s requirements as set out in the Land Use Bylaw. Planning and Development Applications

Safety Code Permit- Superior Safety Codes

After the development permit has been approved and issued, the appropriate safety code permits must be acquired. Superior Safety Codes issues the safety codes permits listed below within The County. Superior Safety Codes allows construction to proceed on condition of compliance with the Alberta Building Code. 

• Building
• Electric
• Gas
• Plumbing
• Sewage

Superior Safety Codes allows construction to proceed on condition of compliance with the Alberta Building Code. It deals with structural integrity and public safety.

Council has approved the contract between the County and Superior Safety Codes. The Provincial Safety Codes Council has authorized the County as an accredited agency who has the authority to enter into contracts with an accredited agency to provide services. As such, all safety codes permits (electrical, building, gas and plumbing) must be obtained from Superior Safety Codes.

• Who is Superior Safety Codes?
• Apply for a Safety Codes Permit
• Superior Safety Codes Forms and Checklists
• Superior Safety Codes FAQ's
• Contact Superior Safety Codes
  • Contact either the Edmonton or Red Deer Office. 

Council has approved the contract between the County and Superior Safety Codes. The Provincial Safety Codes Council has authorized the County as an accredited agency who has the authority to enter into contracts with another accredited agency to provide services. As such, all safety codes permits (electrical, building, gas and plumbing) must be obtained from Superior Safety Codes.

The Safety Codes Council provides a fair and transparent appeals process of orders, refusals, suspensions and cancellations, in accordance with the Safety Codes Act. The Appeals process for a safety codes permit is a formal hearing process that allows a person or corporation named in an order, refusal, suspension, or cancellation, to file a notice of appeal with the Coordinator of Appeals within 35 days of service of an order or within 30 days of service of a refusal, suspension, or cancellation notice. To be considered, your notice of appeal must be submitted with the appropriate appeal fee and within the applicable time frame. Your appeal to the Safety Codes Council must be in writing and signed. 

Council establishes the fees for permits, and any changes to fees will be held in a public forum. The agency is paid a percentage of the permit fee which is established at the contract approval stage.

Safety Codes Act:

The Safety Codes Act established a unifying administration to ten safety disciplines which each have their own safety codes to keep the public safe in the places they live, work and play.

Safety Codes Permit:

You require a safety codes permit to ensure that the work you are completing is meeting the requirements of the Safety Codes Act and other regulations. This will not only give you peace of mind, but may also be a requirement of you homeowners insurance. Safety Codes are about ensuring that any work that falls under the Safety Codes Act complies with the standards they establish. These standards are in place to keep the public safe.

Safety Codes Council:

The Safety Codes Council is a corporation established under the Safety Codes Act that reviews safety codes and standards in the province of Alberta. The Council assists the Government of Alberta department of Municipal Affairs in administering the Safety Codes Act. The Safety Codes Council is responsible for all aspects of the safety system, including accrediting the municipalities, corporations and agencies that sell permits and inspect the work carried out under these permits; certifying and training Safety Codes Officers who do the inspections; administering the Alberta Master Electrician Program, developing, enhancing and supporting Information Technology safety system applications.  

• What is the Safety Codes Council role in permitting and inspections?

If a restrictive covenant is registered on your Certificate of Title, you are legally required to comply with it. Restrictive covenants may include conditions or limitations that go beyond the requirements of the County’s Land Use Bylaw.

It is the responsibility of the applicant and/or landowner to review the Certificate of Title and identify any encumbrances, including restrictive covenants, caveats, or easements. If you are unsure whether a restrictive covenant applies to your property or would like to obtain a copy, you can do so through any Alberta registry office.

Please note that the issuance of a development permit does not supersede, invalidate, or grant approval to contravene any encumbrance registered on the Certificate of Title.

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

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

Planning and Development Applications

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

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

1. Property lines
2. Pipelines/Well Heads
3. 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).

Site Plan Example

Planning and Development Applications

The County requires drawings or images of all proposed structures that clearly show the structural appearance and dimensions (width, length, and height). Drawings may be hand-drawn or created digitally. While the County does not require engineered drawings, please note that Superior Safety Codes may require them in order to obtain a building permit. The same requirements apply if the application is for an existing building.

Examples of drawings/measurements required: 

Shed	Garage	House

Planning and Development Applications

The time to process a development permit application can vary, depending on the type of development. 

If the development is a permitted use and within the required setbacks outlined in the designated property district, it can typically take 5-7 business days. 

A discretionary development permit application may take up to a month to process for the following reasons:

• The application may require a referral if your property is subject to one of the reasons listed below, and the referral agencies are given 14 to 21 days to provide the County with any comments.
  • Located within 1.6 km (1 mile) of any Municipal Boundaries ,
  • Located within 800 metres (1/2 mile) from a CFO,
  • Located within 800 metres (1/2 mile) of a pipeline or well head, and
  • Located within 1.6 km (1 mile) of a sour gas pipeline or well head (sour gas is 10 mol/kmol or more)
• Notice to Adjacent Landowners

A notice of all discretionary permits are required to be mailed to adjacent landowners, and are given a 21 day appeal period. 

Planning and Development Applications

The Development Permit application fee will depend on the type of development proposed, the zoning of the parcel, and whether or not a variance (relaxation of a setback) is being requested. Please refer to the Fees and Charges Bylaw - Schedule C to view Development Permit fees. 

Payment of fees may be made by cash, cheque, debit or credit card. For more information visit payment options.

Planning and Development Applications

When a development permit application is received, a quick preliminary review of the application form is done.  If additional information, documents, or fees are required, the applicant will be informed that their application has been deemed incomplete.  An incomplete application form and/or illegible supporting information may result in the application being returned to the applicant.

Applications are NOT considered complete until ALL of the required information and fees have been provided.

Planning and Development Applications

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.

Every lot must have an approach off a County road. As approaches are on the road allowance, they need to be constructed to County standards. This typically involves excavation, culvert installation, backfilling, compacting, and gravelling. Contracting out this work may cost approximately $2,000±.

Post-approval, you must hire an Alberta Land Surveyor to prepare a plan for the Land Titles Office. Costs and processes vary depending on the type of subdivision, ranging from under $1,000 for a simple Descriptive Plan to over $1,500 for a full Plan of Survey.

The municipality may claim up to 10% of the subdivision area for public use or its equivalent value in money. This is generally applicable except for the first subdivision out of a quarter or on lots of 40 or more acres designated for farming.

After the surveyor completes the plan, it is sent to MPS for final approval. MPS charges an endorsement fee of $100 plus $150 per lot, including for lot line adjustments, to ensure all conditions of approval have been met.

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

Visit the Recreational Unit (RVs) page to find out how many recreational units are allowed on your property based on its zoning district.

To find out what district your property is in, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Interactive County Map on the County website.
2. Use the search function to locate your specific property on the map.
3. Once you find your property, click on it.
4. Look for the Zoning Code information associated with your property.

The Zoning Code will indicate the specific district your property falls under. This information can provide details about the permitted uses, regulations, and other zoning-related guidelines for your property.

• Where a house exists on a parcel of land under one (1) acre, a maximum of five (5) Recreational Units may be present.
• Where a house exists on a parcel of land between one (1) and two (2) acres, a maximum of ten (10) Recreational Units may be present.
• Where a house exists or does not exist on a parcel of land between over two (2) acres and less than twenty (20) acres, a maximum of twenty (20) Recreational Units may be present.
• Whether a house exists or does not exist on a parcel of land twenty (20) acres or greater, a maximum of thirty (30) Recreational Vehicles may be present.

To accommodate family functions, reunions, weddings, and other similar functions that are associated with temporary use of Recreational Units, a written application must be provided to the County in accordance with Recreational Units During Family Functions Policy (amended by Bylaw 2021/60).

Yes, you can have Recreational Units (RVs) on your property for family and friends during a function, but you will need to obtain a permit and approval. This is necessary for temporary use of RVs on your property during events such as reunions, weddings, celebrations (birthdays, holidays, etc.).

However, there are some conditions:

1. Approvals are only allowed within properties districted as Institutional, Recreational, Watershed Protection, Wizard Lake Watershed, Agricultural, Residential (except Urban Residential), Mobile Home, or High-Density Rural Residential.
2. The use or function must comply with all Municipal, Provincial, and Federal legislation, including the County's Noise Bylaw and regulatory requirements for the disposal of wastewater.

To know what your property is distracted as, click on County Interactive Map to search your property. 

1. Complete a Recreational Vehicles During Family Functions Application, including the following information:
   • Name of the Landowner(s)
   • Legal description of the property
   • Type of event and the number of expected RVs
   • Dates and time of the event
   • Site plan showing the location on the property, describing the number and placement of Recreational Units (RVs) during the event
2. Access the application form. 
3. Email the completed application to the Planning and Development Department for review and consideration.
4. The Planning and Development Department will review the applications, and satisfactory applications will be granted approval in writing.
5. Relevant County Departments, including the County’s Protective Services Department, will be notified of the approved applications.

Make sure to provide accurate and complete information in your application to facilitate the review process. If you have any questions or need assistance, you may contact the Planning and Development Department for guidance. 

Temporary Recreational Units (RVs) can be allowed on your property for your function for a maximum of ninety-six (96) hours or four (4) days, provided you obtain a permit and approval from the County.

Recreational Vehicles During Family Functions application.

Applications can be emailed to Planning and Development for review and consideration. Satisfactory applications will be granted approval in writing and relevant County Departments, including the County’s Protective Services Department will be notified.

You can apply for a Recreational Units (RVs) During Family Functions permit a maximum of two (2) times per year for a specific parcel. However, if you need additional permits beyond this limit, you can submit a written request email to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) seeking further approval. The decision to grant additional permits will be at the discretion of the CAO.

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 $880.00 

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. 

The purpose of an ASP is to provide a framework that guides the planning, subdivision and development of a given area or particular parcel of land. Council uses ASPs as key guiding documents when considering subdivision and development proposals, as well as planning for community infrastructure. 

An ASP provides the opportunity for the landowner/developer to explain their vision to Council and residents and show the plan’s consistency with higher order statutory plans such as an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) or Municipal Development Plan (MDP).  

ASPs are required for new subdivisions and developments that are of a size and scope that may:  

• have long term impacts on the adjacent lands and their uses 
• require new or upgrades to the road network  
• require new or connection to water and wastewater infrastructure 
• impact environmental features, etc.

ASPs can be prepared by a landowner/developer, although the County strongly encourages developers to engage professionals in the fields of land use planning, engineering, and other applicable areas to assist in the preparation of the ASP and associated reports/studies. The Alberta Professional Planning Institute (APPI) has a consultant directory on their website - Consultant Directory | Alberta Professional Planners Institute (albertaplanners.com). 

Policy 61.1 – Requirements for Area Structure Plan (ASP) provides a comprehensive guide for what information is required for submitting a completed ASP. This Policy can be found *here* 

Area Structure Plan applications cost $1,000.00 plus: 

• $100.00 per lot/unit being created  
• $100.00 per hectare  
• $50.00 per campsite/stall 
• $100.00 per additional lot/unit being created (if an amendment to an existing ASP)

Business Approvals

• The County does not issue business licenses. Authorization to operate a business within the County is granted through the submission of an approved Business Development Permit Application. 

Home Occupation

• The Land Use Bylaw defines two types of Home Occupations: Minor and Major. Please visit the Business Development page to determine in your business qualifies as a minor or major home occupation.

Note: Check your property zoning to ensure your business is an approved use. If it's not, you may need to apply to rezone your property.

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.

To check the zoning of a property within the County, follow these steps:

1. Visit the County Online Interactive Map.
2. Sign in as a Guest 
3. Under searches enter the rural address (blue sign), legal location, or tax roll number for the specific property you want to check.
4. Click on the property.
5. Click on the Zoning Code.
6. Additionally, you can use the map to view and print aerial photos of your property.

For an aerial photo, click on Imagery in the top right corner and select the year and submit.

To measure the distance from existing or proposed structures on a property to the property line, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Interactive County Map webpage.
2. Sign in as a Guest.
3. In the top right corner, click on Imagery and select the desired year, then submit.
4. In the search bar, locate the property by entering the address (blue sign), legal location, or roll number.
5. Next to the Legend, click on the Measurements Tool (ruler image).
6. Click on the structure or where the proposed structure will go on the property, and measure the distance to the property line (property line is highlighted in green).

To find the dimensions of a property, you can use the County Interactive Map by following these steps:

1. Sign into the County Interactive Map webpage.
2. Click Agree to proceed.
3. In the top right corner, click on Imagery and select the desired year, then submit.
4. In the Searches section, locate your property by entering the address (blue sign), legal location, or roll number.
5. In the Legend, click on the Planning Development Tab.
6. Choose Dimension from the dropdown menu.
7. Zoom in on the property to view the displayed dimensions (please note that not all properties may show dimensions).

In addition to the Interactive Map, property 'pins' and dimensions can be found on a Real Property Report (RPR). RPRs are issued by Alberta Land Surveyors. To find a list of surveyors, visit Alberta Land Surveyors Association. The County may have copies of RPRs on file if a Certificate of Compliance was requested and issued by the County.

To find if there is a pipeline or wellsite on a property, you can use the County Interactive Map by following these steps:

1. Sign into the County Interactive Map webpage.
2. Click Agree to proceed.
3. In the top right corner, click on Imagery and select the desired year, then submit.
4. In the Searches section, locate the property by entering the address (blue sign), legal location, or roll number.
5. In the Legend, click on the Oil Gas Tab.
6. Choose Wells or Pipelines from the dropdown menu.

To check if there has been a development permit issued on a property within the County, follow these steps:

1. Visit the County Online Interactive Map.
2. Sign in as a Guest. 
3. Click on Imagery in the top right corner, select the desired year and submit.
4. Under searches enter the rural address (blue sign), legal location, or tax roll number for the specific property you want to check.
5. Click on the property.
6. Click on Development Permits.

If you're still unsure whether the property has a development permit, you may contact Planning and Development.