Development Permits

Development Permit

A Development Permit is required for most construction, renovation and demolition projects in the Town of Vermilion. The Development Permit Application process normally takes 3-4 weeks and must be applied for and approved prior to commencing construction. Supporting documentation may be required including, but not limited to, building plans, site plan, grading and drainage plans and building elevation drawings.

Failure to obtain the appropriate permits prior to commencement of construction / demolition may result in assessment of fines and/or a stop order for the project.

In addition to an approved Development Permit issued by the Town you will likely also require a Building Permit issued by Alberta Permit Pro. Alberta Permit Pro is the accredited agency for the Town of Vermilion and provides Building, Electrical, Gas, and Plumbing Permits. For further information contact Alberta Permit Pro at 1-800-461-8706 or visit www.albertapermitpro.com

Development NOT Requiring a Development Permit

Some forms of development do not require a Development however they still must adhere to the Town’s Land Use Bylaw regarding size, height, setbacks, etc. Some of these types of developments include:

  • Sheds that are less than 9.0 m2 (96.9 ft)2 in size and not built on a permanent foundation (or demolition/removal of the same)
  • Non structural, interior renovations (ie: paint, carpet, cupboards, etc.)
  • Carrying out works of maintenance or repair to any building providing it does not involve structural alterations or major renovations that may required a Building Permit (ie: siding, shingles, etc.)
  • Landscaping providing it does not adversely affect drainage
  • A deck or patio in a residential district providing it meets the minimum distance requirements of LUB (please call for clarification)
  • Construction of a fence providing fence providing it meets the height restrictions outlined in the LUB (please call for clarification) and does not encroach on any adjacent properties.
  • Please contact Allan Wilson, Planner & Development Officer, at (780) 581-2404 to determine exactly what permits are required for your specific project.

Sign Permit

A sign permit is required for the placement, relocation or alteration of most signs within the Town of Vermilion. A Sign Permit can normally be issued within 3-4 weeks of application, conditional on receiving all required plans and information at the time of application.

A Sign Permit is required for:

  • Fascia Signs
  • Marquee, Canopy and Roof Signs
  • Projecting Signs
  • Free-Standing Signs
  • Billboards
  • Free-Standing Portable Signs
  • Illuminated Roof and Sky Signs
  • Inflatable Signs
  • Animated Signs
  • A Sign Permit is not required for all signs however. Please refer to Schedule C, Section 2 of the Land Use Bylaw for information regarding signs that are exempt. In addition, a sign permit is not required to clean, repair or repaint any sign.

Rezoning and Plan Amendment Applications

Normally, a Development Permit can be issued without problem or delay. The major consideration is how your proposal fits the broad policies of the Land Use Bylaw. If it fulfils the intent of the Land Use Bylaw but special circumstances exist, a Rezoning Application may be an option.

Rezoning is a request to amend the Land Use Bylaw. If this request is not in keeping with the Municipal Development Plan, a Plan Amendment may also be necessary. Final decision on rezoning and plan amendment applications rests with Town Council. Council is advised by the Planning and Development Committee and Town staff, and also considers comments received from citizens at scheduled public hearings.

Preliminary discussion with the Development Officer is necessary before a plan amendment or rezoning application can be completed. This meeting, and a rough sketch of your proposal, will quickly identify problem areas, and can help to avoid possible complications! The Development Officer will also advise you of any additional outside contact you may need to make, and of the required application information. At this stage, you'll be encouraged to take your proposal to the next step in the process. You'll also be advised of the likely timelines for your proposal, and offered alternative approaches if delays are anticipated.

Plan amendment and rezoning applications require a site plan showing the building size, location, parking, driveway access and landscaping. Some major projects needing municipal plan amendments also require specific studies to support the application. With this initial paperwork in hand, the Development Officer and/or the Planning and Development Committee can begin to evaluate your proposal. Site visits, maps of the area, and/or photographs provide additional information as the application is reviewed.

If problems are identified, we will help you adjust your proposal to meet planning criteria. The Planning and Development Committee meets monthly to review a wide variety of planning related issues. Rezoning and plan amendment applications are advertised in the local newspaper to seek input from those who may be affected, and feedback received is heard in a Town Council Public Hearing.

Following Town Council's decision to approve a rezoning or plan amendment application, a Development Permit may be issued.

Timelines

A Rezoning or Plan Amendment application, which involves advertising, 3 readings from Council and a public hearing, can be approved in as little as six weeks.

Subdivision Applications

Subdivision applications are handled by Municipal Planning Services (Alberta) Ltd. who function as the Subdivision Authority for the Town. Further information on requirements and forms for applying for a subdivision can be found here: http://www.munplan.ab.ca/subs.html