Development Permits
A development permit ensures that a particular project is suitable for a particular location.
A Development Permit (DP) is for land use approval. You must have a valid Development Permit before you can apply for a Building Permit to construct a building or other structure. A development review is also required before obtaining a Business License, therefore it is automatically included in the Business License application.
Who approves developments?
See development process graphic
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It is the City’s responsibility to determine and implement rules and regulations that help to create desired and highly valued spaces within our community. Planning and Development Services is responsible for ensuring that new development aligns with the rules and regulations set out in both the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and the Alberta Building Code. Development Permit reviews ensure alignment with the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and confirms that all rules and planning policies have been considered. The City of Medicine Hat Land Use Bylaw divides all land in the city into districts. Each district has its own set of Permitted and Discretionary Uses and development rules. Not all projects require a Development Permit; these are listed in section 2.2 of the Land Use Bylaw. Any projects that are not included in the list of exemptions require a Development Permit because they are outside the standard rules of a district or there is some type of change being proposed to the property. When you apply, a Planning Officer will advise you if a Development Permit is not required.
Check land use district and its rulesYou can check the City's iMap to determine the land use district of your proposed project. Search the address of the proposed project. In layers list choose “Land Use Districts” to determine the land use district for the specified parcel. Once you have determined the Land Use District, you can check the relevant section of the Land Use Bylaw to see which rules and regulations apply: |
How to Apply
| Apply online |
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To avoid delays, first review the Development Permit application requirements for your project: Then submit your application: New to ePermit? Need assistance?
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| Payment Methods |
Online:
In-person:
Mail:
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| Application process |
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A Planner is assigned to each Development Permit and acts as 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. For more information, see: |
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Talk to us |
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For larger scale projects only, we strongly recommend a pre-application meeting with a City Planning Officer. |
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Apply |
Then submit your Development Permit application online through ePermit: |
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City review |
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Application will be reviewed from the perspectives of land use and technical considerations. For complex/substantial projects, a technical review will be completed and notification signage will be placed on the site to allow for public feedback. |
| Decision |
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| Construction |
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Project construction may begin when:
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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.
Pre and Post-construction Requirements
Before commencing construction of a subdivision or development project, it is the developer's responsibility to confirm that they have met the appropriate requirements and conditions. The document below outlines all requirements:
Development & Subdivision Agreement Condition Guide
Water and sanitary servicing processes
Pre-application process Post-construction process
Apply online to extend the expiry date of an existing Development Permit for up to one year.
If you wish to develop your site in a manner that is not allowed by the current zoning, you must apply to amend the Land Use Bylaw.
Learn about permit requirements for various types of residential projects.
