MD of Bighorn no. 8 - Development and Building Services

Development and Building Services

A development permit is required for most types of new construction, redevelopment projects, additions, signs, accessory buildings, home occupations and changes in use of land or a building. The purpose of a development permit is to ensure that all proposals comply with the Land Use Bylaw, and the general development principles within other applicable municipal planning documents.
Development Permit Application
Home-Based Business Application and Information
Development Permit Application Process
A completed development permit application will be processed by either a Development Officer or the Municipal Planning Commission, depending on the type of application. If the application is approved by the authority, a notice is placed in the local newpaper and the 14-day appeal period begins. A development permit will be issued, with or without conditions, to the applicant once the appeal period has passed and no appeals are made. If applicable to the type of project, the applicant may also be required to apply for and obtain a Building Permit.
Appeals
If an appeal is received, a hearing is held by the municipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (S/DAB).
Development Permit Notices and S/DAB Appeal Decisions
Click here to view a copy of recent development permit notifications and Subdvision and Development Appeal Board decisions.

Building Permits

Building permits are required to ensure that all buildings are safely designed and constructed in accordance with the Alberta Building Code. It is necessary to obtain a building permit for all new construction, redevelopment projects, removal or demolition of buildings, changes in use, some renovations and additions.
Building Permit Application and Request for Occupancy form
Building Permit Application - Specifications (optional)
Building Permit Application - List of Professionals (optional)
Demolition Permit Application

Building Permit Application Process
The MD of Bighorn operates on a two permit system. Prior to application for a building permit, a development permit may be required. Please contact the planning and development department staff to determine all the necessary permits for your project.
A completed building permit application is reviewed by the Safety Codes Officer for the building discipline. Please note your application must include, among other things, a waste management plan and a security deposit as per the MD's fee schedule bylaw. When the application meets the requirements of the Alberta Building Code, a building permit is issued. The applicant is responsible to ensure that all the required site reviews are completed during construction. A building cannot be occupied prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit by the Safety Codes Officer. An Applicaiton for Occupancy Form must be submitted to request this inspection. Once the Occupancy Permit has been issued, your security deposit is returned.
The MD of Bighorn's Safety Codes Officer is currently available for questions and for booking site reviews on Firdays (starting January 6, 2012). Please provide at least one week notice to the Safety Codes Officer or to the planning and development department (Janice Thompson) if you require a site review.
General Informaiton for House Builders - Alberta Building Code Changes - May 3, 2009 please click here for details.

Gas, Plumbing and Electrical Permits

While the MD of Bighorn issues Building Permits, the applicant is required to obtain all other necessary permits for gas, plumbing and electrical installations. Please see the list of accredited agencies to find a local provider for all your need or questions regarding gas, plumbing and electrical permits.

Compliance Assessments

By request, the Planning and Development Department will issue a compliance assessment which states whether or not buildings or structures on a property are in conformance to the regulations within the Land Use Bylaw. A compliance assessment is not required by legislation, but is typically requested by a lending institution prior to approving a mortgage or a lawyer to facilitate the sale of a property. To obtain a compliance assessment, please provide a written request for such service including the civic or legal address of the property and minimum of two copies of a current Real Property Report (RPR) perpared by an Alberta Land Surveyor, and the appropriate fee.

Bylaw Enforcement

Municipal staff, including a Development Officer, Safety Codes Officer and a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, respond to concerns, inquiries or complaints that relate to possible contravention of regulations in the Land Use Bylaw or the Building Code. The Development Officer may also issue an Order to ensure compliance with the MD's regulations.