Guide to the Land Development Process
The land development process outlines the legislated steps required to convert an undeveloped parcel of land into occupied buildings (see below).
Before private development starts, provincial and municipal governments provide legislation, plans, and policies that direct growth.
At the top of the hierarchy are two statutory plans: the Municipal Government Act (MGA) at the Provincial level, and the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) at the municipal level.
The MGA provides municipalities with planning authority and mechanisms to grow communities.
The MDP is City Council's key policy plan that directs the long-term desired land use for the City. It is a high-level blueprint that shows how your community is expected to change over time and the shape it will take in the future.
The first step in the land development process is neighbourhood planning.
Neighbourhoods are planned using Area Structure Plans and Outline Plans. These plans generally identify land uses (residential, commercial or industrial), the location and classification of streets and the distribution and size of the parks and school sites in the neighbourhood).
Timeline: 3-12 months
The process can be viewed on the Statutory Plan Preparation and Amendments webpage.
Zoning is a legal control on the use and intensity of development on a parcel of land and is defined in the Land Use Bylaw. Undeveloped land is typically zoned for agricultural uses that must be changed to implement the broader vision established by the Area Structure Plan and Outline Plan.
This is accomplished through Land Use Bylaw Amendment Applications (also referred to as rezonings). If the rezoning application requires amendments to an Area Structure Plan or Outline Plan, all amendments can be processed concurrently.
Timeline: 3-12 months
The process can be viewed on the Land Use Bylaw Amendments webpage.
The subdivision is a legal process for dividing land into smaller parcels with new legal descriptions. This process is regulated by the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
Timeline: 7-10 weeks
The process can be viewed on the Subdivision of Land webpage.
Once the land has been subdivided and the civil engineering design for the infrastructure has been approved, grading and construction of the essential infrastructure can begin. This phase focuses primarily on utilities located within public roads and rights-of-way and includes both underground services (such as water, sewer, electrical, gas, etc.) and surface improvements (such as paving, sidewalks, and park improvements).
Timeline: 9-12 months
The process can be viewed on the Servicing Installation webpage.
Once the land has zoned, subdivided and serviced, it is possible to apply for a Development Permit. A Development Permit is a legal document that gives permission for uses or activities on an individual parcel of land.
The processes can be viewed on the Building and Renovating webpage.
Timeline: 2-5 days
Lot Grading Permits are required for all development on private property to ensure that the site is graded to direct surface runoff away from buildings and towards a City right-of-way (lane or street).
Lot Grading Technologists issue approvals for Lot Grading for all developments on private properties to ensure compliance with the Lot Grading Bylaw and the Lot Grading Plan for the subdivision.
Timeline: 2-5 days
The process can be viewed on the Lot Grading webpage.
Once the Development Approval has been obtained, a Building Permit is required before construction can begin. A Building Permit is a legal document consisting of a permit, conditions of approval, and a copy of the approved construction documents. A Safety Codes Officer will perform inspections throughout the construction process verifying that the structure is being built in accordance with the approved plans and Alberta Safety Code requirements.
The processes can be viewed on the Building and Renovating webpage.
Timeline: 5 days
At this stage, all life safety and health components of the building are completed, and the owner or tenant has had all final inspections and their occupancy permit approved. The structure is ready to be occupied.
The Economic Development Department helps guide investors through the development process by acting as a facilitator for municipal services. Phone: 780-357-4969 or email ecdevinfo@cityofgp.com for assistance.