Planning Services
Planning and Development Applications
Application Submissions
The MD of Bighorn office is open regular business hours on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Applications for Development Permit, Compliance Assessment, Subdivisions, Land Use Bylaw Amendments, and Statutory Plan Amendments can be dropped-off in person, mailed to MD of Bighorn Office or submitted via e-mail to: planning@mdbighorn.ca
Please note that large sets of drawings should be submitted electronically. Under certain circumstances, we have relaxed our practices to accept pictures of documents to be sent via email when a person does not have scanning capability. If an application includes large files that cannot be emailed, we ask that applicants please contact us in advance of submitting their application and we will advise them where they can send large files. Upon receipt of an application, a member of our team will follow up to arrange for payment. A review of your application will then take place. You will be advised by email of the status of your application review.
Planning and Development Application Forms
Primary Application Forms
Supplementary Application Forms (specific uses)
Planning Documents and Materials
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Area Redevelopment Plans
An Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) is another planning policy document which is used to guide the redevelopment of existing areas which are in need of some form of rehabilitation.
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Area Structure Plans
An Area Structure Plan (ASP) is a planning policy document that is used to guide the development of newly developing areas within the municipality.
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Concept Plans
A concept plan (conceptual scheme) is a non-statutory planning document that may be required by the Municipal District of Bighorn to be created for certain development proposals.
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Intermunicipal Development Plan
The purpose of an IDP is to minimize land use and development conflicts, guide future land use and development, provide opportunities for collaboration and communication, and allow for the resolution of any conflicts that may arise along the shared municipal boundary.
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Land Use Bylaw
The Land Use Bylaw is the principal planning document that is used in the day-to-day control of development activities within the Municipal District of Bighorn.
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Municipal Development Plan (MDP)
The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is the primary policy document that provides long-term guidelines and policy direction for the future growth and development within the municipality.
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Municipal Planning Commission
The Municipal Planning Commission is a committee created by MD Council for making development permit decisions for all Discretionary Uses or applications referred by a Development Officer.
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Subdivision Services
The process of subdividing land can be a complex undertaking and is subject to both provincial and municipal regulations.
Planning inquiries and Enforcement
Planning Inquiries
For Planning Inquiries, please provide a written submission via e-mail to: planning@mdbighorn.ca
E-mail inquiries are preferred to phone calls as we may need some time to prepare a response to your inquiry. Planning Staff will provide a response within 48-hours of submission. Depending on the complexity of your inquiry, staff may require additional time and will provide you with a timeline.
Land Use Bylaw Enforcement
For all Land Use Bylaw related enforcement complaints, please provide a written submission via e-mail to: planning@mdbighorn.ca
Once the Planning Staff has received your email, they will provide a response within 48-hours. Note that all complaints remain anonymous and no private information will be released during and after an investigation. We strive to achieve compliance through guiding and educating all parties involved.
Frequently asked questions or processes
- How do I find Legal Land Description for my property? Your legal land description can be found on your land title, notice of assessment, or you can do a legal land search using the Government of Alberta Land Titles Spatial Information System SPIN2. You are also welcome to speak with Planning Staff for assistance.
- How do I find Land Owner information? Land owner information is available through the Government of Alberta Land Titles Spatial Information System SPIN2. Sign in as a guest user. In SPIN you are able to search for Land Title data products. Note that the MD cannot give out personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, or emails.
- Can I request a document pick-up? Most planning related decisions or letters are now being sent electronically via email. However, If you wish to have a hardcopy, please let planning staff know and a copy can be prepared for pick-up or sent by mail.
- How will I receive my Notice of Application/Decision? These will be sent electronically (via email) to the applicant.
- Does Planning assist with documents related to Land Titles? Please contact Planning Staff to coordinate any documents that are required to be sent to Land Titles such as; Agreements, Discharge of Caveat, or Postponements. Note that there may be some delays with regard to the processing times with Land Titles which are posted on their website at the Government of Alberta Land Titles Spatial Information System SPIN2.
- Do you accept Compliance Assessments by email? The Planning Department will accept Electronic copies of Real Property Reports along with a Compliance Assessment form. A final compliance assessment letter will be sent electronically to the applicant.
- What methods of payment are accepted by the MD for permits? You can pay by credit card, cheque, cash, or debit for permit related fees. To pay by credit card, please visit the Option Pay page on our website. You will be required to enter your tax roll #. Please be advised that credit card merchant fees are the sole responsibility of the person using the site and cannot be returned once payment is processed
- How do I obtain a Safety Codes Permit (e.g. building, plumbing, electrical, etc.)? The M.D. is not an accredited municipality for building services. Please visit the Safety Codes Permit page on our website for more information on how to obtain a Safety Codes Permit such as a Building, Electrical, Plumbing, or Private Sewage Wastewater Treatment permits.
Thank you from the Planning Department
Please refer back to this page for future updates on information regarding the M.D.’s Planning & Development Services Department. We are committed to providing the best possible service as we also ensure the health and safety of the public and our team members.