In this section

The Land Use Bylaw governs how land is used and developed in Sylvan Lake.

You are required to have a valid development permit before you can apply for a building permit to construct a building or structure.

You may need a Development Permit if you are:

  • Constructing a new building;
  • Adding onto or renovating an existing building;
  • Constructing or re-constructing a deck;
  • Demolishing an existing building;
  • Changing the use of a building;
  • Considering a cannabis retail store;
  • Putting up a sign; or
  • Installing an in-ground swimming pool or hot tub.

Development Permit application process flowchart

A building permit is written approval by the municipality that building plans meet the National Building Code - Alberta Edition.  A licensed Safety Codes Officer inspects all building permits.

You may need a Building Permit if you are:

  • Building, adding to, or renovating a building;
  • Demolishing a building;
  • Putting up a sign (certain types);
  • Changing the use or occupancy of a building;
  • Installing a swimming pool or hot tub;
  • Installing a wood burning fire place; or
  • Building a deck of 24 inches or higher above the ground.

Apply for a building permit at our office, 5012 - 48 Avenue.  

  • All contractors must have, or obtain a valid Town of Sylvan Lake business license;
  • For building code questions, please contact a building inspector at 403 358 5545
  • Please see the Safety Codes Services Fee Bylaw 1900/2024 

Please submit all development and building permit applications to the Town’s Municipal Government Building at 5012 48 Avenue, Sylvan Lake.

Development Permit Application Forms

Supplemental Forms

Building Permit Application Forms

Supplemental Forms

In addition to our building and development permits, applications are also required for the following:

All accessory buildings, including detached garages, sheds, carports, gazebos, green houses, and playhouses larger than 107.6 ft² (10 m²), and over 8.2 feet (2.5 metres) in height, need a Development Permit and Building Permit.

Information on building placement and setbacks are found in our garage and shed brochure.

Accessory buildings are not allowed to encroach over any utility right-of-ways.

Locate underground utilities. Please call Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta One Call) before building at 1 800 242 3447 or www.utilitysafety.ca 

A Building Permit is required if you are developing or renovating your basement.

A development permit is not required for basement development, unless you are installing a new exterior entrance, new windows, or any other changes that affect the exterior of the building.

If your basement was previously finished without proper permits, you may still apply for the permits. Requirements for this process are the same as those associated with a new application. You may be required to expose concealed framing.

If you would like to construct a secondary suite, which is a separate self-contained dwelling unit within the residence, please refer to the Secondary Suites & Garage Suites section.

A deck 24 inches (0.6 metres) or taller from grade, requires a Development Permit and Building Permit.

Decks less than 24 inches (0.6 metres) from grade, do not need a permit; however, the deck must keep the minimum setback distances from property lines.

If the deck is ground-level (less than one foot high), we consider this a patio, and do not require a permit. Patios may extend to the property line.

 

A demolition or moving a building from a site requires a Development Permit and Building Permit. 

A demolition permit ensures that the services are disconnected prior to demolition, and that the site is safe during and after demolition. The process also takes into consideration the preservation of existing trees.

A permit is not required to build a fence provided it meets the following:

  • The maximum height of a fence in the side and rear yard is 6.56 feet (2.0 metres);
  • The maximum height of a fence in the front yard is 3.28 feet (1.0 metre);

More information regarding fences can be found in our fence brochure.

Ensure your fence is located on or within your property lines. To determine your property lines, you can use your Real Property Report to assist in locating property lines. Fences are not allowed to encroach on municipal land.

Please contact Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta One Call) at 1 800 242 3447 or www.utilitysafety.ca to locate underground utility lines.

Secondary Suite

A secondary suite is a separate and subordinate dwelling unit contained within a detached dwelling, and that meets the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw. Please see our Secondary Suites Map. 

If you want to develop a secondary suite, or legalize an existing suite, you need a Development Permit and a Building Permit. All secondary suites are required to comply with the National Building Code - Alberta Edition and Fire Code.

Garage Suite

A garage suite is a dwelling unit contained within a detached garage and meets the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw. 

If you want to develop a garage suite, you need a Development Permit and a Building Permit. All garage suites are required to comply with the National Building Code - Alberta Edition and Fire Code.

 

Home Occupation permits

Sylvan Lake has three Home Occupation classifications:

The secondary use of a principle dwelling unit by a permanent resident of the dwelling to conduct business activity or an occupation.

  • The business should not create additional traffic or be noticeable from the outside of the dwelling. Example: professional and office services (office only).

To apply for a Home Occupation Type 'A' you will need:

The secondary use of a principle dwelling unit by at least one permanent resident of the dwelling to conduct business activity or an occupation.

  • The business may have up to six associated client visits per day, but not employ any non-residents.

To apply for a Home Occupation Type 'B' you need:

  • A completed Home Occupation Business License;
  • A parking plan showing the number of parking stalls and dimensions;
  • Details of your business;
  • Fee payment;
  • A current title (less than 30 days old).

The secondary use of a principle dwelling unit, its accessory buildings and site or combinations thereof, by at least one permanent resident of the dwelling to conduct business activity or an occupation.

  • This business may create additional traffic; and
  • May employ one non-resident.

To apply for a Home Occupation Type 'C' you need:

  • A completed Home Occupation Business License;
  • A parking plan showing the number of parking stalls and dimensions;
  • Details of your business;
  • Fee payment;
  • A current title (less than 30 days old).

Appeals

An applicant has the right to appeal any decision by the Development Officer, or Municipal Planning Commission, including an approval with conditions or a refusal of a development permit application. The public may also appeal a decision, typically where a decision involves the use of discretion, or a variance of a regulation in the Land Use Bylaw. 

  • Our Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB), receives development appeals;
  • You must file your appeal, along with the required fee to the SDAB, within the appeal period;
  • You may contact Legislative Services for more information, 403 887 2141.

Our Development Officers review permitted use development permit applications, and providing the development meets all regulations of the Land Use Bylaw, may issue approval with, or without conditions. If a variance or relaxation is required for a permitted use, the application is then treated in the same manner as a discretionary use (see below).

Our Development Officers review all discretionary use development permit applications, and may either issue an approval with, or without conditions or refer the application to the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) for decision.