Applying for a Development Permit

Unless exempted by the Land Use Bylaw or other legislation, all developments within the municipal boundaries of Northern Sunrise County require a development permit. A development permit provides legal authorization for specific developments and protects property owners or renters/lessees from future legal or transactional issues. Development permits must be obtained before commencing any development activities.

Applying for a Development Permit:

To apply for a development permit, please download and complete the application form, then submit it to the County Office. The detailed process, including the required information and documents, is outlined in the Development Permit Application Guide. It is essential to review the guidelines before completing your application.

If the proposed development is not permitted in the zoning district where your property is located, you will need to apply for an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw. This could involve redistricting your land to a suitable zoning district or adding the proposed use to the current uses allowed in your existing district. Use the Redistricting/Bylaw Amendment Application form for this purpose. A development permit application can only be considered once a redistricting application is approved.

Application Submission and Fees:

Both development permit and redistricting applications must include the appropriate fees (as stated on the application form) before processing can begin. The Development Authority has 40 days to make a decision on a development permit application from the date a Notice of Complete Application is issued, unless extended by written agreement between the Development Authority and the applicant. To ensure timely processing, applicants should submit complete applications and promptly provide any additional information requested during the review process. If you have questions about completing the application form, please contact the Northern Sunrise County Office before submission.

Additional Permits, Licenses, and Inspections:

Depending on the nature of your proposed development, you may need additional permits or licenses from the County or external organizations. These may include building, fire, mechanical/electrical, plumbing, and gas permits from an accredited Safety Codes Agency, or specific licenses from federal or provincial agencies (e.g., Cannabis Store License from AGLC for operating a cannabis retail facility).

In addition to obtaining permits and licenses, inspections may be conducted by the County, provincial authorities, or external agencies to ensure that the completed development complies with applicable legislation, standards, or the conditions of the approved permit or license. These inspections may include fire, safety codes, and health inspections.