Planning and Development

Development and Safety Codes permits are almost always required when doing any construction, including renovations and additions, as well as when there is a new or change-in-use on the land.

Projects that require permits include:

• New buildings (houses and garages)
• Additions to buildings, which includes decks that are enclosed, covered, and/or higher than 2 ft. above the ground
• Sheds not on a permanent foundation over 100 sq. ft.
• Sheds of any size on a permanent foundation and gazebos
• In-ground pools (*hot tubs require Building and Electrical Permits)
• Basement suite development
• Home-based businesses of any scale
• Roof-mounted solar panels

When you start planning your project, it is highly recommended that you contact the Town of Coalhurst Development Officer at 403-381-3033 or email [email protected] to discuss your project and determine what information is required to be submitted with the permit applications.

Application forms are available at the Town Office and on the Town’s website coalhurst.ca/services/planning-development/.   Applications can be dropped off at the Town Office or emailed to: [email protected].  Applicants will be advised if any additional documentation is required, including the applicable application fee(s), and will be provided with a reasonable timeframe to submit the absent information.  Any application that has been deemed incomplete may be refused if the applicant does not submit the missing documentation before the deadline.  Once a complete application has been received, the Development Authority has up to 40 days to make a decision.

The Development Officer will review your application and assess the project’s compliance with the Land Use Bylaw.  If the application is for a discretionary use, which includes waiver requests over 10%, the application will be reviewed by the Town’s Municipal Subdivision & Development Authority (MSDA) and notifications will be mailed to the adjacent and affected landowners.  Applicants will be advised by email and mail of the Development Authority’s decision to either approve or refuse the application.  The Development Authority’s decision is subject to a 21-day appeal period.  If an appeal is filed, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board will start the appeal process.

Approved Development Permits come into effect after the 21-day appeal period has been exhausted.  Friendly reminder that the Town of Coalhurst has a zero-tolerance policy in place for commencing any work without the benefit of obtaining the necessary permits.  For more information on this policy visit: coalhurst.ca/services/planning-development.

The process of getting permits depends on the type of permit and the nature of what is being applied for.  Electrical, gas, and plumbing permits can typically be issued within a few days.  Development Permits and Building Permits may take as little as 1-2 weeks if what is being applied for is a permitted use.  Discretionary use applications require additional time, sometimes up to a month, as they require notification to the adjacent and affected landowners.

Please note that Development Permits become valid after the provincially legislated 21-day appeal period following the Development Authority’s date of decision has passed.

The fees are calculated based on what is being applied for.  Once the application is reviewed the applicant will be advised of the applicable fees.  The permit fees are listed in the Fees and Rates Bylaw on the Town’s website: Coalhurst.ca.

Development and building permits are two different kinds of permits, but both are equally important.  A development permit ensures that what is being applied for complies with the Town of Coalhurst’s Land Use Bylaw.  The Development permit allows for the use of the proposed development and its location on the property.  A building permit ensures that the development meets the Alberta Building Code.  All safety code permits for the Town of Coalhurst are issued by Park Enterprises 1-800-621-5440.