Edmonton Development Permits for Custom Homes and Renovations

Every new development project, change of use, addition or renovation to an existing property in Edmonton requires a development permit. Find out more about Edmonton Development Permits Here. Development permits involve plan reviews, approvals, and site inspections to determine whether the proposed development meets the required engineering, planning, and environmental policies for the City of Edmonton and the Alberta Municipal Government Act. Development permits consider a variety of factors, including land use, site development, landscaping, and transportation.

For first-time property builders, all these permits and processes can seem a bit overwhelming. Our goal is to help you get started planning your next custom home development or renovation by explaining what development permits are, why you need them, and how to apply.

What is an Edmonton Development Permit?

Development permits are used by the city of Edmonton to review proposed developments and determine whether they meet the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw and other policies, such as area redevelopment plans and the Alberta Municipal Government Act. Essentially, it confirms that all regulations and planning policies have been addressed, and it allows neighbors, community associations, and concerned individuals to review and provide feedback concerning the planned development, addition or renovation.

Edmonton’s Custom Home Development Permit Requirements

Building a new property or making changes to an existing building in Edmonton requires a development permit. Obtaining a development permit requires proving the type of development and compliance with local zoning and development policies. A development permit is not required for all projects, but custom homes require one since they involve significant changes.

No matter what kind of project you’re considering, it’s always a good idea to check with the Edmonton Planning Services Centre to find out what permits you need.

Applying for an Edmonton Development Permit

For a new permit application for a custom home build, a Development Permit Survey, or DP survey, is typically the first survey required. During this stage, you should work closely with the local municipality, your architect, and a land surveyor to determine what needs to be included in the Development Permit Survey. After you have met these requirements and all other requirements, you can submit your application for initial review.

Submitted applications for custom home builds are typically checked within 40 days. In order to move forward with the official application, a pre-application meeting must be held. This meeting is solely to review the purpose of the development permit and how the applicant plans on establishing their custom project. There is also the possibility that your application will be reviewed by a specialized review group under the Land Use Bylaw, where it will be cross-referenced against the rules of the Bylaw.

Upon approval, a temporary notice will be placed on the property to inform neighbors and others of your development permit application. They may then send feedback directly to the person in charge of your development permit. Feedback can be submitted by neighbors, community associations, or other third parties.

Your file manager will begin a detailed review of your application during this time, including assessing the neighborhood, researching and applying applicable planning policies, investigating whether legislation might affect the application, receiving and responding to community feedback, and preparing a detailed written report. It is at this point that you may be asked to amend your application or provide additional information, and you will ble to continue with your development project.

Upon completion of the detailed review and receipt of any additional information, your file manager will inform you whether your Development permit application was approved or denied. Your permit will be publicly announced if it is approved, and the public has a certain amount of days to appeal the decision. The same board can also hear your appeal if it is denied. After you have met all the requirements and no appeals have been filed, you will be able to continue with your development project.

Edmonton Development Permit Surveys

Development Permit Surveys are required as part of the development permit application process for new developments, including custom homes. Working with a professional land surveying company like Arc Surveys will maximize your chances of getting your permit approved.

ARC Surveys

Contact us today for more information on Edmonton Development Permit Surveys or fill out our online form to request a quote on your next Development Permit Survey. Let’s work together on your next project