Most developments require a development and /or building permit. When applying for a discretionary use, applicants are encouraged to speak to the Planning & Development department in advance to submitting their application. This will help to identify other considerations. Depending on the nature of the proposed development, an application may be referred to the Municipal Planning Commission for review, support and direction.
The Development Permit confirms that your development plan(s) meet the requirements of the Town’s Land Use Bylaw, while the Building Permit is the written approval by the Town that the building plan(s) meet the Alberta Building and Safety Codes Act. Final copies of the building specifications are forwarded to the Town’s Building and Safety Codes Officer who reviews the building permits and completes the building inspections. If you are unsure, contact the Planning and Development Department before starting any work to ensure that you have the right permit(s) in place.
Notice of decisions issued on development permit applications are provided by the Development Officer in writing, stating terms and conditions for each development permit. Any revisions or amendments to a development permit application in which a notice of decision has already been provided by the Development Officer will require submission for a new development permit application.
(Note: Should work have been found to have started before an application has been submitted, the permit fees will be doubled)
Development Permit Application
The authority of municipalities to develop, adopt, implement, and review plans and bylaws that integrate the legislation, planning principles, and community views is established in accordance with Section 17 of the MGA.
For more information contact info@townofpenhold.ca
Please note that there is an administration fee associated with all applications. If submitting payment online through option pay, please ensure you have calculated the administration fee into your permit fee total.
For more information on a proposed development, please refer to these Safety Tips Brochures as they will help you to understand when you need a permit.
For most construction, demolition, and renovation projects a Development and Building permit is required before you commence work. Other permits for electrical, gas and plumbing may also be necessary. These permits may be applied for separately through IJD Inspections.
Which permits do I need to: | Development | Building | Electrical | Plumbing | Gas |
Build a new home or building | X | X | X | X | X |
Build a deck over 2 ft. high | X | X |
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Add a shed over 100 ft.² | X | X |
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Build a garage | X | X | X |
| X |
Develop a basement | X | X | X | X | |
Add a secondary suite | X | X | X | X | X |
Build an addition | X | X | X | X | X |
Do interior renovations | X | X | X | X | |
Relocate a manufactured home | X | X | X | X | X |
Install a wood burning stove |
| X |
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Demolish a building | X | X |
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Building permits are not required for the following:
- Fences
- Sheds under 100 ft.² and under 8 ft. in height
- Decks under 2 ft. in height
How long is the permit good for?
Building Permits are valid for one year, provided it is not abandoned for more than 120 days and work must commence within 90 days of permit issuance.
For more information regarding Development Permits, Building Permits, etc., or if you are unsure what forms you need to fill out, contact the Town’s Planning & Development department.
Download a copy of Do I need a Building Permit? in brochure format.
Building, Plumbing, Gas and Electrical permits are issued separate from the Town’s permits.
Please contact IJD Inspections to apply for the required permit(s).
IJD Inspections
403-346-6533
Additional development information:
Intermunicipal Development Plan
Intermunicipal Development Plan
The purpose of the Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is to provide both the Town of Penhold and Red Deer County with a comprehensive long range land use plan that reduces potential development conflicts, addresses community concerns and provides a framework for ongoing consultation and cooperation regarding areas of mutual concern.
The Plan provides policy direction for the conservation of natural areas, long range planning, infrastructure and services provision and future annexation for the Town of Penhold.
Municipal Development Plan
The overall purpose of the Penhold Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is to guide future growth and development to ensure that it is sustainable, orderly, appropriate, complementary, efficient, and that it enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Penhold.
The MDP is primarily a policy document that can be utilized as a framework for the physical development of the community within which both public and private sector decision making can occur. As a policy document it is, for the most part, general in nature and long range in its outlook.
The MDP provides the means whereby Council can evaluate immediate situations or proposals in the context of a long range plan.
Land Use Bylaw
The Town of Penhold Land Use Bylaw establishes the regulations which govern how land and buildings can be developed in each land use district and provides regulations for those uses. The regulations vary depending on where the land is located and what kind of development is proposed. The Land Use District Map identifies zoning for land uses within the Town.
The Land Use Bylaw will identify when you need a development permit and those development projects that are exempt.
Land Use Bylaw Amendment Process
Changes to the Land Use Bylaw require the approval of Council. An application may be made by the registered landowner or their agent to change a zoning of a specific parcel.
The application is circulated internally for departmental comments and externally for comments from affected stakeholders and referral agencies. Depending on the nature of the request, a public meeting may be required. A report including comments received is presented to Council for their final decision.
Annexation
Following the 2008 Annexation that doubled the size of Penhold, in April of2018, the Government of Alberta approved annexation of approximately 534 hectares (1,319 acres) of land north, east and south of the Town's existing town limits comprising titled lands and non-titled road allowances and rights of way. The newly annexed lands will provide the town with approximately 50 year land supply to accommodate the growth of services, amenities and housing over the next several decades.
Area Structure Plans
Area Structure Plans (ASP) identify the development sequence for an area including future land uses, proposed population densities and the general location of transportation and public utilities.
Active Transportation Plan
The 2016 Active Transportation Plan is long range policy framework to evaluate and improve pedestrian opportunities for active lifestyle opportunities within Town. This report is to provide cohesive, connected, safe and functional future developments and redevelopments of existing trails and pedestrian networks throughout the Town of Penhold.
The implementation is broken into 3 key components:
- Short-term action items: would include those projects that provide connection opportunities and are immediately remedied
- Long-term action items: includes important projects, but not identified for development in the immediate future
- Longer-term action items: include projects that would provide benefit and opportunity to the Town over time, and are not immediate
Implementation for the improved trails, sidewalks and pathways are evaluated based on community needs, pedestrian usage and available funding. This document will be reviewed during budget deliberations on a yearly basis as to the extent Council wishes to address active transportation.
Streetscape Design Guidelines
Streetscape Design Guidelines
The design of streets directly affects the quality of life in a community. The purpose of the2008 Streetscape Design Guidelines document is to provide the Town of Penhold with a set of design guidelines that focus on community livability by providing safe travel options, considering the traffic function of the street in conjunction with other modes of travel, and the character and context of the community.