Planning & Development

An Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a high level statutory land-use plan prepared collaboratively between two (or more) municipalities. IDPs provide land use and development policy direction for lands of mutual importance, agreed to and adopted through matching municipal bylaws.

A Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is a key policy plan that communicates the long term desired land use in the Town of Beaverlodge. It is a high-level blueprint that shows how the Town is expected to change over time and the shape it will take in the future.  Much like a blueprint that guides the construction of a house, an MDP helps many decision makers collectively build their shared and desired physical setting.  The resource that is being managed is the land base that is occupied by all members of the Town. This land base is typically limited and is expected to accommodate many activities and functions. 

An Area Structure Plan (ASP) is a key policy plan that proposes a sequence of development for an area within the Town of Beaverlodge, the future land uses, the density of population, and the general location of transportation and public utilities.

A Land Use Bylaw (LUB) establishes rules and regulations for land development, as well as, the process of making decisions for development permit applications within the Town of Beaverlodge.

Land Use Bylaw No. 1004 

Municipal Development Plan Bylaw No. 1009

Policy C-3-2 Fees and Charges Policy

Municipal Planning Policies in are intended to:

• promote common understanding of Council’s policy objectives
• provide direction to allow Administration to meet council’s policy objectives
• facilitate better and more timely decisions
• ensure uniformity in the interpretation and implementation of policy
• encourage coordination and integration of actions and plans within and across functional areas and departments

The following policies are specific to development, subdivision, construction, and associated incentives and rebates:

C2 Community Improvement Consolidation Program

FORMS

You can download and print the following forms:

Development Permit Application

Amendment to the Municipal Development Plan or Land Use Bylaw

Designation of Authorized Agent

Subdivision Application

You can send you completed forms to development@beaverlodge.ca or you can drop off at the Town office.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I require a development permit for a garage?

Yes, you do require a development permit if the garage is over 14 m2 (150 ft2) in size.

To download a brochure for a detached garage/accessory building click here, for an attached garage click here.

Do I need a permit for a deck?

If you would like to build a deck and any part of the deck is over 24″ from the ground to the beam, you will be required to apply for a Building Permit, the building permit will need to be accompanied by a Deck Information Supplement.  

Even if you have an existing deck and you want to replace or add to it, you are required to apply for a Building Permit. 

Upon review of an application, further information may be requested prior to the application being processed.  Applications, along with the applicable fee can be emailed to development@beaverlodge.ca or by person to 400-10th Street, between 9am-Noon and 1pm-5pm Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). 

If you have further questions in regards to development you can contact the Development Officer at 780-354-2201 ext:  1011 or email development@beaverlodge.ca

I want to build or move a shed or accessory building onto my property, do I need a permit?

A garden or tool shed in the rear yard of a residential parcel that is less than 14 m2 (150 ft) in floor area and less than 4.27 m (14 ft) in height does not require a development permit. The shed still needs to meet setback requirements as per Land Use Bylaw #1004. If the garden or tool shed is over the above dimensions then a development permit is required. You will also require Building Permit, the building permit will need to be accompanied by a Detached Garage and Accessory Building Information Supplement.

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

Residential Properties:

You do not need a permit if you are building a fence that is six (6.5) feet or less in height from the front of the house to the rear of the lot or three (3.3) feet or less from the front of the house to the front of the lot. Please note that if you are on a corner lot, a corner cut-off may be required to ensure site lines are maintained. If the fence is to exceed six (6.5) feet in the rear of the property or three (3.3) feet in the front, you will require a Development Permit.

If you need to apply for a Development Permit, there will be a minimum of a 3 (three) week waiting period, as the Development Permit will need to go before the Subdivision & Development Board for decision. You do not need a building permit for a fence.

Non-Residential Properties:

You do require a Development Permit for construction of fencing. A Development Permit needs to be completed and submitted to the Development Officer, with a professional plot plan and the application fee. Upon review of an application, further information may be requested prior to the application being processed. If you need to apply for a Development Permit, there will be a minimum of a 3 (three) week waiting period, as the Development Permit will need to go before the Subdivision & Development Board for decision. You do not need a building permit for a fence. 

Applications can be submitted by email to development@beaverlodge.ca or by person at 400-10th Street between 9am-Noon & 1pm-5pm Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).

I want to renovate my house, do I need a development permit?

If the renovations include structural alterations or additions, then yes, you require a Development Permit. You will also require a Building Permit.

What is site coverage?

Site coverage is the amount of your property that is covered by any surface other than landscaping. This includes all hard surfacing (bricks, asphalt or concrete), the dwelling, garage, accessory buildings, decks, hot tubs, etc. The amount of allowable coverage varies for all districts. You can look up the coverage in the Land Use Bylaw #1004.

Do I require a permit for a fire pit?

A fire pit must meet the criteria as outlined in the Beaverlodge Fire Rescue Guide to Fire-Pits.

Do I require a permit to put either a Wood Stove, Airtight Wood Stove, Fire Insert, Pellet Stove or Fire Place in my house, addition or garage?

Yes you require a Building Permit, along with a Solid Fuel Burning Appliance Information Supplement

Do I require a permit to put a Sea-Can on my property?

You require a Development Permit to put a Sea-Can on you’re property. Unless you are changing your Sea-can to have a man door, window or into a dwelling unit, then you will not require a Building permit.

What is a Real Property Report, an easement and a right-of-way?

You can download brochures on these three topics as well as others from the Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association website.

Always REMEMBER Call BEFORE You Dig! This is for your safety and that of your family, neighbors and safety workers.