Do I need a permit?
Before beginning construction on any property in Mountain View County, it's a good idea to see if you need a location or development permit. Beyond just construction, permits are often required for starting a home business, having more than one dog on acreage, or running a market garden.
Please note there are steep penalties for initiating development without a permit in hand. These are as follows:
|
Development Type |
1st Offence |
2nd Offence |
3rd or subsequent Offences |
|
Farm/Residential |
$ 1,000 |
$ 1,500 |
$ 2,500 |
|
Commercial/Industrial |
$ 2,000 |
$ 3,000 |
$ 4,000 |
To be on the safe side, give us a call, and we'll be pleased to tell you what you need and how to go about getting it. You can reach the Planning Department at 403-335-3311 or mvplan@mountainviewcounty.com.
Location Permits
A location permit is needed for straight forward development projects. For example, if a residence on a County lot meets all the property set backs, further construction will only require a location permit which will be issued by the County Development Officer. This permit may, or may not be appealed by other ratepayers.
Although 40 days is allowed to make a decision on a complete application, permits can often be managed in a shorter time frame.
Development Permits Youll need a development permit for more complicated things like:
- Dog kennels
- Home business operation
- Signage
- Set back relaxation
- Recreational use on a property
- Specialty agricultural businesses
Permits may be appealed by owners, or neighbors. Applications for development permits are dealt with by the Municipal Planning Commission and advertised in the Mountain View County Newspaper.
As with location permits, 40 days is provided to make a decision on a complete application. If approved, the permit must be advertised in the newspaper (Mountain View County News) which triggers a 14 day appeal period. Allow a minimum of 6-8 weeks for this process.
Applications
To ensure your application for a location or development permit is handled efficiently, it is important to submit:
- A fully complete and signed application form (available at the County office)
- The application fee (indicated on the form)
- A detailed sketch or description of the proposed development
- A current title (issued within 30 days of the application available from the County)
- Permission to enter the property
Suggestions
- Give yourself ample time for your permit
- Make sure all information submitted is current and accurate
- Do not initiate construction or development before your permit is issued. A penalty fee may be imposed
- Recognize that development permits can be appealed/ Allow yourself time for the appeal period to expire
- Meet all the conditions required for your permit. If you have any questions regarding the permit application, please speak to a Planning Department staff member who will be pleased to help you.
Building Permits
The Alberta Safety Codes Act
Building permits in Mountain View County are issued in accordance with the Alberta Safety Code Act to ensure that new construction meets provincial safety codes.
The County does not issue permits for gas; plumbing; electrical or private sewage systems, however these are required for new construction and the Planning Department staff can advise on where and how to obtain them.
It is interesting to note that a building permit is required if you are siting a mobile home on your property.
What you need to know
How to apply: Mountain View County uses three outside agencies to review building plans and to conduct inspections. Permit applicants may choose which agency to use. It is the applicants responsibility to call the agency inspector when it is time for an inspection.
When you apply for a building permit, you will be required to provide blueprints or plans for the project. Please call the Planning Department (403-335-3311) to ensure your plans include all required details.
When to apply: You may apply for a building permit once you have a location or development permit. Many people submit both applications at the same time however your building permit will not be activated until the location or development permit has been approved.
In accordance with the Safety Codes Act Permit Regulations 16 (1), work is to commence within 90 days of a permit issuance and is not to be abandoned for more than 120 days or the permit will expire. If the building permit expires, you must reapply for a new permit.
Why do you need a building permit?
Building permits are important to ensure your construction meets provincial safety codes. Your insurance may not cover a claim for an accident if you do not have a building permit in place.
The Countys Planning Department is pleased to address any questions or concerns you may have. You are encouraged to contact us at 403-335-3311. Were here to help.
Permits Online
Mountain View County residents can now access the following permits online:
Location Permit Application
Development Permit Application
Building Permit
If you are applying for a detached garage, factory built home or wood burning stove please fill out the appropriate form and attach to your Location, Development or Building Permit Application:
Detached Garage Form
Factory Built Home Form
Wood Burning Stove Form
To view PDF downloads on this site, you will need the Adobe® Acrobat™ Plugin.
Terms and Conditions
- All applications must be completed in their entirety.
- Please put "n/a" in spaces which are not applicable to the application.
- All applicant and landowner signatures within the file must be original signatures.
- If a corporation owns the parcel, documentation must be submitted indicating those who have signing authority under seal.
- A legible site sketch or Real Property Report must be submitted with applications.
- A current copy (obtained within 30 days of application) of the Certificate of Title must be submitted. These can be obtained from you local registry office.
- Fees must be submitted with application. Please refer to fee schedule (see "What's New" menu on left).
- Please refer to the County Land Use Bylaw 55-95 to determine whether to submit a Location Permit or Development Permit.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the County Planning Department at 335-3311 ext. 185 or 173.
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