Information for Homeowners
This section is designed to offer general guidance for homeowners. You may also download the homeowner brochure.
If you have any other questions, AccessGP is your central point of contact for general inquiries, Enforcement Services, Transportation Services, GP Transit, Environmental Stewardship, the Mayor/City Manager's Office, and more.
Phone 780-538-0300
Email: info@cityofgp.com
Visit Animal Licenses
If you are looking at buying a new to you home, obtaining a file search for the property in question, could save you some headaches down the road. A file search may provide proof if previous owners obtain required permits for upgrades completed on the property. For example, if the home you're looking at has a developed basement, basement developments require a permit. If you obtain a file search and there are no permits received for basement development, that could indicate it was done illegally, without permits and inspections.
Requesting the seller provide Municipal Compliance is also one way to ensure the property is in good standing with the Land Use Bylaw. Compliance are issued based off the submittal of a current Real Property Report and it is reviewed to ensure anything in place meets required permitting and setbacks.
Once a property is purchased, the new owners assume all responsibility for the parcel and any structures located on it.
For more information on requesting either of these services, please contact Planning and Development at 780-538-0325 or by emailing devpermits@cityofgp.com
The City of Grande Prairie owns a strip of land along the front of every titled property, usually for the purposes of utility location. This is called a boulevard. Residential boulevards are ideal sites to plant city trees since they have been shown to survive and grow better than trees in parks or along major roadways. Boulevard width varies depending on where in the city your property lies, so it's worth confirming before you start any projects. More information can be found at: cityofgp.com/trees
Parks Operations asks that homeowners do not interfere with their boulevard tree with regards to any pruning, spraying, fertilizing or removal operations as per Section 22 of Bylaw C-504
To confirm if a tree on your property is privately-owned or city-owned, visit our Property Viewer map and turn on the “Trees” Layer
Curbside collection services in Grande Prairie are provided by Aquatera Utilities Inc. Please visit: www.aquatera.ca for more information about which day to expect your service.
Permits are needed for many home renovation projects, ranging from adding an air conditioner or garage unit heater to building a deck or developing your basement.
These projects require at least one inspection from a Safety Codes Officer to ensure work complies with the intent of any applicable National Codes. In return, you will receive a Final Inspection Report that will be needed by your insurance company and good assurance to any potential buyers when your house next goes on the market.
Simple upgrades like repainting, installing new cabinets, or changing out widows with new ones the same size, do not require a permit.
Please visit the Residential Renovating page for more information or call 780-538-0421 and ask to speak with a building Safety Codes Officer.
For information about how to protect your property visit Drainage Tips
Permits are only required if you alter the way the drainage leaves your parcel. You do not need a permit to add topsoil and finished landscaping to a new property.
When landscaping, it is important to refer to the Lot Grading Certificate if available and complete the landscaping according to that document.
All property owners are responsible for maintaining surface grading on their property in a manner that protects their buildings from surface water and does not negatively impact adjacent properties. This includes any grass or concrete drainage swales located on the parcel.In the winter, City crews plow and sand 24 hours/day on weekdays, based on weather conditions. Crews also sand over the weekend and have the ability to ramp up 24/7 if a major storm occurs.
Residential roads are plowed in two-week rotations triggered by the City when snow accumulates, or a significant snowfall occurs. When triggered, crews plow on the day before garbage collection, or Friday if your garbage collection day is Monday. Residential snow removal does not take place on weekends. For detailed information visit: cityofgp.com/snowFor information about your property including your property line locations, previously issued permits, building plans, and inspection reports, a File Search Request may be submitted at cityofgp.com/filesearch. View property information request eligibility here.
As a property owner in Grande Prairie, you will receive a property tax notice every May. It indicates your share of municipal and education property tax and the payment due date. For more information visit Property Taxes for more information.
Private Property Parking
RV Parking is permitted on an approved driveway in the front yard as long as the RV (inclusive of hitch) does not overhang the sidewalk.
To access private property with an RV through a City utility lot, park, or boulevard a Vehicular Access Permit from Parks Operations is required.
Occupying RV's
A person shall not occupy any recreational vehicle or travel trailer at any time while it is parked on public property (roadway or parking lot).
Street Parking RV's
From April 1 to October 31, an RV registered to a City of Grande Prairie address can be parked on the street in a location directly adjacent to the RV owner's residence for no more than twenty-four (24) consecutive hours. After that time, the RV must be moved to an off-highway location for at least twenty-four (24) consecutive hours before it can be parked on the roadway again.
RV's shall not be parked on the street in any manner as to create an obstruction or prevent the safe passage of vehicles or pedestrians.
These are legal restrictions placed on a property by an individual, a private company, or an organization. For example, a restrictive covenant may specify the colour and style of the fence you can build. A drainage easement is used to convey water from adjacent properties, through your property.
These restrictions on your land are legal agreements and enforcement is resolved through the legal system, not by the City of Grande Prairie. This information is contained on your Land Title, which can be purchased at the Registry Office.