Development

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Common Development Questions

• What kind of development does not require a permit?
• When do I need a compliance certificate?
• What fees are associated with development?
• What kinds of development do not require a permit?

Construction and maintenance of that part of a public utility located in, on, over or under a public roadway, public utility right-of-way or public utility lot.

The use of a building or a part of it in connection with a federal, provincial, municipal, or school election, referendum or census.

Routine maintenance of and repairs to a building not involving any structural changes.
Construction of a garden shed or playhouse less than 13 sq. m in floor area if the development complies with the Land Use Bylaw.

In a residential district, construction of an unenclosed deck to a maximum of 0.6m above finished grade, a patio, a fire pit, and a barbeque;

Installation of a satellite dish antenna if the development complies with this Bylaw and it is not located in a front yard or exterior side yard and not more than 4m above finished grade;
Construction of a fence less than 2m in height above finished grade in rear and side yards and no more than 1m in front yards.

When do I need a compliance certificate?

The registered owner, or a person with a legal or equitable interest in a site, may apply, upon payment of such fee as may be prescribed by Council from time to time, to the Development Authority for a Compliance Certificate.

The applicant for a Compliance Certificate shall submit an original Real Property Report for the site. Any original Real Property Report that is dated for a period of more than 90 days from the date of the application must be submitted with a Statutory Declaration.

The Compliance Certificate shall only cover those buildings or parts thereof, shown of the Real Property Report as provided by the applicant.

What do I have to consider when starting a home occupation?

A home occupation is defined as an accessory development in a dwelling or unit, or its garage, for a business operated by a permanent resident of the dwelling unit. The business being incidental and secondary to the use of the building for dwelling purposes and does not change the essential residential character or appearance of such building. Home Occupations are discretionary uses and require the completion of a Development Permit Application.

I want to develop my basement. Is there anything I should know before I start?

Development and building permits will be required prior to construction. All basement development and use must conform to the Town of High Level Land Use Bylaw.
Application Procedure: You will have to submit the following information upon application.

1. A completed development application form
2. A clear, concise drawing on 8 ½ x 11 paper that identifies the location, size and proposed use for all the rooms in the basement
3. Details on the type of materials used
4. Location of utilities and stairs
5. All required fees

I’m building a deck. What should I know?

• A deck shall meet the required front yard setback of the principal building;
• Be located at least 1m from the side property line
• Be located at least 3m from the rear property line

What are the regulations for the fence building?

• No permit is required
• A fence in or around the front yard must not exceed 1m in height
• A fence in or around side and rear yards must not exceed 2m in height
• No fence is permitted in the front or side yard of a corner lot if, in the opinion of the development authority, the fence will block or impede traffic sight lines
• Fences in industrial districts shall not exceed 2m unless otherwise approved by the development authority

What should I know before I start building a home?

A development permit and building permit are required for the construction of a house. A development permit is authorization by planning services that your application for home construction conforms with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw. When submitting a Development Permit application, the following steps are required:

1. Fill out a Development/Building Permit Application form.
2. Provide 2 copies of a site plan showing:
   1. North arrow
   2. Scale of plan
   3. Fully dimensioned parcel boundaries
   4. Dimensions of the proposed and existing developments.
   5. Distances of the proposed and existing developments measured perpendicular from the property lines.
   6. Existing easements
   7. Proposed grade and drainage of the property
3. Provide 2 sets of detailed construction plans showing:
   1. Foundation plan
   2. Elevation plans (all four sides)
   3. Floor plans
   4. Building sections
   5. Types of materials used
   6. A certified copy of the title fee
   7. Required application fees

What fees are associated with development?

Development fees range from $65 to $200 depending on the location of the property. Building fees are fees based on $6.00 per $1000.00 of construction value. Plumbing, gas and electrical fees vary.

Development Requirements

A Building Permit is required prior to any construction, additions and/or renovations of a building within the limits of the Town of High Level.

A Building Permit IS REQUIRED for:

1. Any construction over 13sq meters
2. Developing an unfinished basement
3. Renovations or altering any structure
4. Decks over 0.6m (2ft) in height
5. Wood stoves
6. Gas Fireplaces

A Building Permit IS NOT REQUIRED for:

1. Maintenance, decorating or painting
2. Fences, driveways, sidewalks or ground level sundecks
3. Garden shed or playhouse less than 13sq meters
4. A patio
5. An outdoor fire pit
6. Routine maintenance to a building not involving any structural changes

Prior to obtaining a Building Permit, the applicant must provide a Development Permit and two sets of blue prints that comply with the Alberta Building Code (1990) and Safety Code requirements.