Development PERmits

A development permit is required for many types of development within Camrose County, including:

Building a new structure (such as a house, garage, or deck)
Adding to or renovating an existing structure
Demolishing a structure
Moving a portable building onto or off a property
Starting or changing a home-based, commercial, or industrial business

Planning staff are available to answer your questions and help guide you through the application process.

Applying For a Development Permit

To apply you must submit the following:

Completed Development Permit Application
Site sketch or site plan
Building plans (if applicable)
Application fee
Abandoned well information
Alberta Transportation approval (if required)
Business Application Form (if required)

Application fees vary depending on the type and value of the proposed development and typically range from $50 to $200.

Please note: These are the minimum application requirements. The Development Officer may request additional information depending on the proposed development.

Permit Application Forms

Apply Online (Recommended):

Downloadable Application Forms:

GIS Mapping

Use the GIS Map button below to get a map showing your property. Find information like zoning, size, rural address, and aerial photography to help you fill out your development application.

Public GIS Map

A development permit is required for any residential development in Camrose County. This includes manufactured homes, mobile homes, modular homes, single detached dwellings, duplexes, townhouses and apartments.

Development not requiring a development permit

Accessory Buildings	Accessory buildings smaller than 10 m2 (107 ft2 ), provided that they: are set back from property lines by the distances set out in Part 7: Land Use District Regulations of this Bylaw do not exceed the maximum number of accessory buildings as set out in Part 7: Land Use District Regulations do not exceed the maximum lot coverage set out in Part 7: land Use District Regulations.
Agricultural Buildings	Agricultural buildings, except for: where listed as a discretionary use; buildings located within any urban IDP boundary, or one mile of an airport; buildings greater than 450 m2 (4,844 ft2 ); buildings that do not meet the setback requirements of the Land Use Bylaw and the applicant is requesting a variance; and buildings and improvements forming part of an Intensive Livestock Operation. Despite not requiring a Development Permit, agricultural buildings must observe the setbacks from property lines set out in Part 7: Land Use District Regulations of this Bylaw.
Completion	The completion and use of a building which was lawfully under construction at the date of adoption of this Bylaw.
Dugouts	Dugouts in the General Agricultural district, provided they comply with the setbacks defined in Section 642: Setbacks and Approaches.
Fences	The construction of gates, fences, walls, or other means of enclosure (other than on corner lots or where abutting on a road used by vehicular traffic) less than 1.2 m (4.0 ft) in height in front yards and less than 1.8 m (6 ft) in side and rear yards.
Foster Care	The provision of foster care in a private home.
Maintenance	The carrying out of works of maintenance or repair to any building, provided that such works do not include structural alterations or major works of renovation.
Municipal Works, Facilities, or Uses	Facilities, infrastructure, works and other construction by or on behalf of the County are exempt from requiring a Development Permit. Some examples include, but are not limited to, community halls, parks, recreation facilities, transfer stations, water or sewer pumping stations;
Poles	The erection of towers, flagpoles, satellite dishes and other poles not exceeding 6.0 m (20 ft) in height from grade and used for non-commercial purposes.
Solar Energy System	Solar energy system used for residential purposes where incorporated into or affixed to a main or accessory building in such a way that site coverage is not increased.
Statutory Exemptions	Buildings and uses exempted by the Act.
Streets	The construction or maintenance of any utility, work or improvement in a street or utility lot.
Temporary Buildings	A temporary building or travel trailer, the sole purpose of which is incidental to the erection or alteration of a building, for which a permit has been issued under this Bylaw.

Accessory Buildings

Accessory buildings such as shops and garages also require development permits, as do fences over 1.2 meters (4 feet) in height in front yards and over 1.8 meters (6 feet) in side and rear yards.

If the accessory building is less than 10m2, meets the setback requirements and the general regulations related to conditions like height and number of structures on a property, then no development permit is required. If any requirement is not met then a permit is required. In addition, accessory buildings may need a permit if they are close to some of our urban neighbours. Contact the planning department to confirm if a permit is required.

An accessory building is one that is separate and subordinate to the main building, and the use of the building is incidental to the main building, but is located on the same lot. Accessory buildings would include sheds and shops, and includes fabric covered buildings.

Workshops are Permitted uses (if your development meets the provisions of the Land Use Bylaw) in certain zoning districts and a Discretionary Use in other zones. Call the Planning Office staff for more information.

Accessory Farm Buildings

An accessory farm building does not need a development permit, as long as it meets setback requirements (distances from property borders), and is not located in the Urban Fringe (areas close to urban centers)

A farm building is defined as a building that:

Does not include residential occupancy
Is located on a farm, zoned agricultural, and directly supports the primary farm operation
Has a low occupancy load (there are not a lot of people in it)
Is only used by the farmer and the farmer’s family

And the building is used for:

Housing Livestock
Storing, sorting, grading or bulk packaging primary agricultural products, or
Housing, storing or maintaining farm equipment.

Processing times for development permit applications vary depending on the type of development. The Development Officer must make a decision on a permit within 40 days of application, although typically approvals are granted much sooner. A permitted use is typically issued within 5- 7 business days. A discretionary use usually takes one month due to the extra processing requirements, such as advertising and public engagement.

Approval is required from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors if any of the property is within 1/2 mile (800m) of a provincial highway, unless an exemption has been provided through the Highway Vicinity Management Agreement (HVMA) between Camrose County and Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors.

Generally exemptions are provided for permitted uses as listed in the County's Land Use Bylaw (except commercial/industrial) with no direct highway access. Applicants will still need to abide by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors regulations, but Camrose County will notify the applicant of those requirements as part of the County's development permit process.

Despite the HVMA exemptions, Camrose County and/or Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors may request a review and roadside development permit application at any time if either party determines the additional review is necessary.

Permits are required by the Safety Codes Act of the Province of Alberta. This legislation sets the minimum standards for construction and building safety for the province. Also many lending institutions and insurance companies are requesting proof of code compliance prior to issuing a mortgage or insurance for a building or residence.

All Safety Code permits are issued by the City of Camrose Building Department on behalf of Camrose County.

City of Camrose
5204 - 50 Avenue
Camrose, AB, T4V 0S8

Email: permits@camrose.ca
Phone: 780 672 4428
Fax: 780 672 6316
www.camrose.ca

If wells exist within the project area, the applicant must submit written confirmation that the licensee responsible for each well has been contacted, the exact well location confirmed, and setback requirements established that do not impact subdivision (typically 5m).

Map of the search area from the ERCB Abandoned Well Viewer and list of locations of abandoned /wells (if any) within the subdivision area.