General subdivision Information

A subdivision is the process of dividing a parcel of land into any number of smaller parcels (as permitted by the County and Provincial regulations). Each newly created parcel is issued its own registered title from an Alberta Land Titles Office. Subdivision may also include the movement or adjustment of existing property lines between existing parcels of land and not necessarily increase the number of parcels.

Inline with County principles of operation, Camrose County works to protect farmland, while balancing the need for acreage development. The County encourages developers to place new bareland subdivisions on areas of the quarter with poorer farmland whenever possible. If first parcel subdivisions must be placed on good farmland then the maximum size allowed is 5 acres, as this reduces the amount of farmland taken out of production, while allowing for some acreage development.

Please contact the County Planner if you are considering subdividing your property. This will ensure you are aware of and familiar with all the bylaws and policies that may affect your application. The process typically involves hiring a surveyor, ensuring the sewer system is up to code (for residential properties), ensuring access (approaches) to each parcel, and more.

How long does the subdivision process take?

From the time you apply for subdivision, the County has 60 days to give you a decision. Once approval has been granted, you have one year to complete the conditions and submit the subdivision for endorsement. Your application is circulated to adjacent landowners, relevant agencies and County departments. Based on the feedback received a recommendation is sent to the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC), a committee of Council, who can approve or deny a request.

Can I subdivide?

A registered owner of a parcel can apply for subdivision, or a person authorized on their behalf.
The County generally allows one subdivision per quarter section of land. This can be either an 80 acre split, a 5 acre bareland subdivision or an existing yardsite. In cases where there is an existing yardsite that is at least 10 years old, an additional subdivision may be allowed. Extra subdivisions above these will typically require rezoning from Agricultural district to Country residential district. The rules on subdivision are found in the Municipal Development Plan. Contact the Planning Department for more information.
Redistricting (rezoning) involves amending the Land Use Bylaw. The Land Use Bylaw can be amended from time to time by Council or through an application from a landowner. To apply for redistricting please use the Land Use Amendment form (Redistricting Application).

The following must be provided:

Application Fee
Completed Redistricting Application Form
A certificate of title for the affected properties
An Area Structure Plan (if required)
The developer's communication and consultation process (if any)

The Area Structure Plan must include:

Purpose of the Plan
Compliance with the Municipal Development Plan and other planning regulations
Plan Area and relation to the surrounding lands
Environmental impact and protection policies and plans
Servicing plans for roads, water, sanitary sewer, storm water drainage, power, and gas
Impact on adjacent uses
Intended form of ownership (eg. fee simple lots, bare land condominium or other)
Detailed description of the lands proposed for development, identifying:
- Natural features, including treed areas, watercourses and other bodies of water, steep slopes, and other areas that may be prone to flooding, erosion or other physical hazards (contours may be requested at not more than 2 meter intervals)
- Built features, such as existing roads, utility lines and oil and gas facilities.
- Site specific concerns, including potential problem areas ie: confined feeding operations, oil and gas activities and natural site features/barriers
- Present land use
A site development plan, showing details of the proposed development, including:
- proposed land use and densities
- proposed roads, lots, drainage easements, utility right-of-ways and/or lots, and municipal and environmental reserves
- the staging (or phasing of the development), if applicable.
- use of any remaining lands in title
- how the proposed development relates to existing and future uses of surrounding lands, and any measures taken to reduce potential conflicts. (the developers will generally be required to examine an area within one-half mile of the lands proposed for development, although a larger area may need to be considered if circumstances warrant.)
Any other information that the Manager of Planning and Development may require.

The landowner/developer may be required to retain a qualified professional(s) to conduct further site specific investigations to confirm the suitability of the lands for the proposed development and minimize any possible conflicts with surrounding land uses. These investigations are listed in the pdf document found by clicking here.

All subdivision approvals have a number of conditions placed on them that must be met before the subdivision can be registered at Land Titles. These can include:

Hiring a surveyor to complete the survey.
Ensure all outstanding taxes on the parcel have been paid.
Ensure existing sewer system is up to code (for all residences on the parcel).
Construct an approach to each parcel.
If it is a bareland subdivision, provide 3 of the following: shelterbelt, approach, well power, or habitable house.
Register easements and/or caveat
Register a caveat or service road agreement if requested by Alberta Transportation.

This is not a comprehensive list of conditions as each application will be reviewed individually.

Subdivision Application Form