Development Permits
A development permit considers the what and where of a potential project.
By consulting the Land Use Bylaw and other regulations, the City's Planning staff reviews proposed projects. They look at details like allowable land use in the area, impacts to nearby properties, setbacks and more. If approved, the applicant receives their Development Permit.
You must have a valid Development Permit before you can apply for a Building Permit to construct a building or structure. A development review is also required before obtaining a Business License, therefore it is automatically included in the Business License application.
How to Apply
| Apply online |
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New to ePermit? These user guides will help you along: Need assistance?
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| Payment Methods |
Online or phone:
In-person:
Mail:
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| Application process |
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A Planning or Development Officer is assigned to each Development Permit and will be the file manager for the duration of the application. If the application is incomplete, the applicant will be contacted. The review cannot continue until all required documents have been submitted. Once determined to be complete, the application will be reviewed. This will include a Land Use Bylaw check to ensure the application meets all bylaw requirements. If there are any discrepancies, the applicant will be contacted. |
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Circulation |
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Commercial applications or complex residential applications are circulated to a variety of affected City departments for review. Departments are given 14 days to respond. |
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Approval |
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Project construction may begin without the appeal period being completed, if:
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If application is refused |
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If the application has been refused, the applicant has 21 days from the notification of the decision to appeal the refusal. |
| Public notification |
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All approved Development Permits are advertised weekly in the Medicine Hat News and appear in Public Notices. Interested parties may appeal the approval of discretionary uses or permitted uses within 21 days, through the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). |
Development Permit Expiry
After a development permit is approved by The City, the applicant has twelve months from the date the development permit was issued to commence development. If significant construction has not begun by this date, a new application, including full application fees, will be required to move forward with the project. There may be conditions included in certain development permits which extend that period.
After a Development Permit is approved, the applicant must also obtain necessary building permit and trades permits before starting construction.
Amendments to the Land Use Bylaw
A Land Use Bylaw amendment is required if you wish to develop your site in a manner that is not allowed by the current zoning. To learn more or to apply, click below:
Line Locates
When planning your project, it is important to know where buried utilities are located on your property. Locates are free of charge but require three days notice.
You must provide utility locate slips with your application. To obtain line locates, visit: