Planning & Development

Applying for a development permit 
Development permit applications should be submitted in advance of safety codes permit applications. Development must be started and diligently pursued within 12 months of the date of the development permit approval as permits will expire.  If Safety Codes permits are required, you must apply prior to beginning your project. 

Development is the act of changing the use of land by: 

• Construction buildings 
• Replacing or repairing existing buildings 
• Relocating or demolishing a building 
• Changing the land by grading, tree clearing, excavating or stockpiling 
• Changing the Type of Business being conducted (occupancy)

Development permits are regulated by the Town of Drumheller’s Land Use Bylaw.  A development permit allows a specific type of use on a parcel of land.  The development permit application is available online or in person at the Town Hall. 

Step #1 

When you apply for a development permit you must include the following: 

• Drawings with dimensions 
• Site plan with measurements from property lines (setbacks) 
• Letter of authorization 
• Letter of intent 
• Grading plan – may not be required for every development permit 

Step #2

Submit your development permit application and all required documentation via email or in person at Town Hall.  Permit application fees are due upon application submission.  Please read our fees online or contact Planning and Development.  

Requirements of development 

Information required on a development permit are: 

• Whether a use is permitted or discretionary 
• Intensity of a land use 
• Building height 
• Building site coverage 
• Setbacks from property lines 
• Other buildings and parking requirements 

Compliance with other legislation 
You are also required to comply with: 

• Appropriate federal, provincial or municipal legislation 
• Conditions of any caveat, covenant, easement or other instrument affecting a building or land 

Documents required to submit your application vary depending on the type and scale of the land use.  All applications require: 

A completed permit application form and the information/documentation listed on the application checklists for: 

• Residential Development Permit Application (house, garage, shed, etc) 
• Home Based Business Development Permit Application 
• Change of Use Development Permit Application 
• Stripping, Filling, Excavation, Grading Development Permit Application 
• Industrial Commercial Development Permit Application 
• Natural Resource Extraction Development Permit Application 
• Cannabis (Cultivation/Processing) Development Permit Application 

Popular Links:

Development Permit Application
Sign Placement Permit Application 

Step #3

Safety Codes Permits

If you need a development permit for a construction or renovation project or occupancy, you may also need the following safety code permits: 

• Building
• Electrical 
• Plumbing 
• Gas 
• Private sewage disposal 

For many applications, development permit approval is required before your building permit can be approved.

What Permits Provide 

You can expect the following once you have obtained a permit: 

• Access to expert advice before costly mistakes are made 
• Record of having done your due diligence to comply with the codes and standards 
• Informs the jurisdiction with the responsibility for administering the Safety Codes Act that the project is taking place 
• Additional oversight at the early stages of a project through services such as plans or design review 
• An inspection by a trained and certified safety codes officer 

https://www.safetycodes.ab.ca/Public/Pages/Safety-Tips.aspx provides additional information about permits.

Appealing a development permit 

You can appeal a development permit if the: 

• Development permit is refused 
• Development permit is issued subject to conditions 
• Decision has not been made within 40 days 
• Development permit is suspended, cancelled or modified as per the Land Use Bylaw 

In addition, any person claiming to be affected by the permit can also appeal it. 
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) handles all appeals.  Find additional information about the appeal process in the Land Use Bylaw or by contacting the Senior Administrative Assistant to the CAO. 

What If I Skip Getting a Permit? 

If your project requires a permit, get a permit.  If you are working with a contractor who suggests skipping this step, consider moving on to another contractor.   
As cumbersome as the process may be, it will be better than dealing with the municipality if it finds out you should, but don’t have a permit.  The municipality might force you to obtain a permit and could double permitting fees.  It may also shut down your project or require you to tear down your work (for example, remove a wall to see what’s behind it) if there is a question as to whether the work was done according to building code.  In short, it is not worth the risk.  See “Discovering Unpermitted Construction When Selling Your Home” for more information on obtaining a permit after construction is complete.

Please forward your submissions to:

Town of Drumheller 
224 Centre Street  
Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y4  
Tel.: 403-823-6300  
Fax: 403-823-7739 
Website: www.drumheller.ca