Permits and Information

The Town of Drayton Valley issues Development Permit Applications and Building Permit Applications for all construction within the town limits. By obtaining these permits, you know that your property complies with the Town’s Land Use Bylaw and the Alberta Building Code. You will be secure in the knowledge that building inspections will be provided by certified Safety Codes Officers.

It is very important that you have Development and Building Permits approved before you begin constructing your project. If you have begun construction without proper approval, you will be advised to stop construction immediately until the applications have been submitted and approved by both the Town and the Building Inspector. Please note that any work started without proper approval could result in a stop work order, and is also subject to a penalty fee of double the initial fee.

The Planning and Development Department aims to work closely with landowners in helping to obtain permits. Should you have any questions you may contact either the Administrative Assistant or the Development Officer who will answer any questions you may have and will work with you to get you the approval of the type of project you wish to construct.

The Town of Drayton Valley is an accredited municipality within the Building discipline. Electrical, Gas and Plumbing are not discipline which the Town administers, but you can find companies that offer services within Drayton Valley by visiting http://www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/.

Building a Deck

Building a deck is one of the most common projects that helps to improve your backyard or gives you safety from high up doorways. There are a few things to keep in mind when building a deck. If the deck is 2 feet and above the ground both Development and Building Permits are required.  When building a deck it becomes part of the principal dwelling, therefore is required to meet the setbacks of the Land Use Bylaw. You will need to confirm the zoning of your land to find out what the setback requirements will be.

If you are building a deck that is under 2 feet, it is still required to meet the setbacks of the Land Use Bylaw.

When applying for a deck, you will be required to submit both completed Development and Building Permit application forms, a site plan showing where the deck is to be located with the distances (setbacks) from the property lines, and the completed deck construction details form. If the deck is pre-existing and you do not know how it was constructed, photographs of the existing deck will be acceptable.

It is important that the deck is not constructed on top of or encroaching over any right-of-ways or easements. Always do an Alberta One Call so that all lines are marked before you start digging.

Application Package for Building a Deck

Building a Shed

Sheds are generally a non-permanent structure to help store items within your property. Sheds are considered accessory buildings and are typically moveable. Any shed 110 square feet or greater requires a Development Permit and Building Permit. Sheds less than 110 square feet do not require permits. One of the most frequently asked questions received regarding sheds is “my shed is on skids, does it still require a permit?” The answer is yes. Regardless if the shed is on skids, permits are still required so that it still maintains the setback requirements of the Land Use Bylaw as well as meets the requirements of the Alberta Building Code.

A shed should be set at least 1 metre (3 feet) from the side and rear property lines and maintain a 3 metre (10 feet) setback from any other structure located on the property.

It is important that the shed is not constructed on top of or encroaching over any right-of-ways or easements. Always do an Alberta One Call so that all lines are marked before you start digging.

Application Package for Building a Shed

Building a Detached Garage or Carport

A detached garage is part of a home, or an associated building, designed or used for storing a vehicle or vehicles. Whether you are constructing a single car, double car or carport all setback requirements must be maintained.

Setbacks vary depending on the zoning of your property and how you will be entering the garage. Typically if you are to be driving straight into the garage, there must be a 6.5 metre clearance from the door to the edge of the road/alleyway. A 1 metre (3 feet) setback is required from the side property lines, while also maintaining a 3 metre (10 feet) setback from the principal dwelling.

Garages that under 500 square metres in size do not require engineered drawings. If a thickened edge slab is used, engineered drawings will be required if the garage size is more than 624 square feet.

It is important that the garage or carport is not constructed on top of or encroaching over any right-of-ways or easements. Always do an Alberta One Call so that all lines are marked before you start digging.

Application Package for Building a Garage

Basement/Secondary Suites

A basement suite is a secondary residence within a single family dwelling. Suites are usually built for rentals or for mother-in-law suites. All basement suites pre-existing and new both require a Development and Building permit, and are to be brought into compliance with the Alberta Building Code.

There are a few things that need to be submitted along with the completed application forms. A detailed floor plan showing location of all proposed bedrooms, windows and window sizes, location of hot water tank, furnace and smoke detectors. A site plan showing additional off street parking is also required.

Pre-existing suites are suites that have been constructed without the approval of the Town or of the Building Inspector. These types of suites are not considered legal within the Town of Drayton Valley. Pre-existing suites are subject to a penalty fee.

All suites whether new or pre-existing are subject to a one time water and sewer offsite levy fee of $1050. These levies are due to the increase of water and sewage used within the dwelling. The levies help go towards any repairs or maintenance that may be required to the town lines.

Application Package for Building Secondary Suites

Signage

Signage is used to identify the name of a business, a commercial or residential area. Fascia, pylon, billboard are types of signs that require permits. Both a Development and Building permit are required. The application forms must be completed and submitted along with a drawing showing the sign and how where it is to be located. Dimensions of the signage is also required.

Temporary signage, is signage that is not affixed permanently. This includes banner signs, sandwich board signs and black portable signs. These signs all require a temporary sign permit and landowner consent.

Landowner consent must be obtained for both permanent and temporary signage. Signage must be located on privately owned property, and must not be located on Town property (ie. Boulevards, sidewalks or anywhere that the Town maintains).

Please see the Signage Bylaw for more information regarding signage.

Signage Bylaw 2007-23-D
Application Package for installation of Signage
Temporary Portable Sign permit and Landowner Consent form

Fences

A fence is a freestanding structure designed to restrict or prevent movement across a boundary. Fences do not require a Development or Building permit, however a fence permit should be completed. These permits can be completed at the Town Office where you receive your approval within minutes. Please be sure to check the title on your property to see if there is a restrictive covenant which limits you to what type of fencing you can have. Fences are to be no more than 3 feet in height at the front of the property, and no more than 6 feet in height in the rear of the property. Fencing materials are limited to chain-link, pvc, or wooden. Barbed wire and electrical fences are not permitted within residential areas.