Planning and Development Permits

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

It is very important that you have Development and Building Permits approved before you begin any project.  If you have begun construction for any of the projects noted below which require Permits, you are advised to stop construction immediately and make the appropriate applications.

 

If you are building or adding a: You need a Development Permit You need a: Building Permit
New Residential Structure (ie. house, duplex, threeplex, fourplex, modular home) or an addition or a basement/secondary suite X X
Basement Development (Finishing)   X
Detached Garage / Carport X X
Mobile Home X X
Deck X X
Shed, Greenhouse, Storage Building, Playhouse X X
New Commercial or Industrial Structure X X
Sign (fascia, pylon or billboard) X X
Sign (temporary, sandwichboard) X  
Wood Burning Unit   X
Fence X  
Lot Grading X  
Demolition X X

* Other Situations When a Development Permit is Required:

  • For any change in use (eg. A former residence becomes a retail store)
  • For any changes in size or shape of a structure
  • For any new businesses (including home businesses)

**Other Situations When a Building Permit is Required:

  • When renovating any structure that changes the size or includes structural (support) alterations
  • For any structure with retaining walls over 4 feet high
  • For moving of a building (also notify the fire department)

Why do I need both Development and Building Permits?

The Development Permit is issued by the Town, confirming that the proposed development meets with the requirements of the Town’s Land Use Bylaw and all statutory planning documents. 

The Building Permit is issued through the Town, but is the Safety Codes Officer’s authorization for the construction to proceed so that it meets Provincial regulations (Alberta Building Code).

Electrical, Gas & Plumbing are not disciplines which the Town administers, but you can find companies that offer services within Drayton Valley by visiting www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca.

Subdividing

Subdivision is the process of dividing one piece of land unto any number of smaller parcels, as permitted by Municipal and Provincial Regulations.  Alberta Land Titles Office issues each new parcel of land its own Lot, Block and Plan number and registered title.

The Town of Drayton Valley has retained the services of West Central Planning Agency to handle the subdivision process on its behalf.  West Central Planning Agency is a firm located in Wetaskiwin, and provides consultation and assistance where subdivision applications are made. 
 
Subdivision questions and applications should be submitted to West Central Planning Agency for review and processing.

Licences

Do you need a business license?  Are you wondering where to start?
Go to Town of Drayton Valley » Bizpal to find out more!

Compliance Certificates

A Compliance Certificate:

  • is confirmation from the Town that the location of building(s) and improvements on the site comply with the requirements of the Town of Drayton Valley’s Land Use Bylaw.
  • does not regulate or enforce any Alberta Building Code requirements.
  • is usually required by lending agencies in the sale of property and/or mortgage approval in order to protect their client’s investments. The Town does not require you to get a Compliance Certificate
  • can only be provided for a Real Property Report done by an Alberta Land Surveyor, which is signed and sealed by the Surveyor.  A Real Property Report which is ten years old or more will not be accepted.
  • is issued by the Development Officer, provided that all Building and Development permits have been issued. As-built permits will be required for any development that was not previously approved.

About Our Planning and Development Department

The Planning & Development department is under the direction of the Engineering department and consists of the Planning and Development Officer and the Planning and Development Administrative Assistant.

Drayton Valley’s building inspectors (or Safety Codes Officers) from Hillside Home Inspections and Inspections Group work on contract with the Town to issue Building Permits. Both of these contractors are out one day a week or more if required.

The Planning and Development department is responsible for all aspects of land-use planning, including long-range planning and subdivisions, to ensure that growth and development occur in an organized and rational manner, while maintaining or enhancing the quality of life. This department also processes business licenses, compliance certificates, applications for subdivision, rezoning and amendments to statutory documents.

Development in Drayton Valley is guided by planning legislation that consists of: