Development Permit Information & Application

Development Permits

A development permit is needed for most new construction, or any time there is a change in the way land is used or the intensity of use.  Obtaining a development permit provides assurance that your development is following the Land Use Bylaw. Construction must commence on the development within one year of the date of approval.

REVIEW TIMES. As per the requirements of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), the Development Authority is required to issue an acknowledgement on the completeness of a Development Permit application within 20 days of its receipt; unless an agreement has been entered into with the applicant to extend this period. Once your application has been deemed complete, the Town of Canmore will issue a decision on your Development Permit application within 40 days; unless an agreement has been entered into with the applicant to extend this period. Once the statutory 21-day appeal window has passed and no appeals received, your development permit will be issued to you.

Development Permit Process

  1. Pre-Application meetings are required for all major developments and are optional for small developments. You can look to our Other Services page here for more information.

  2. Development Permit submitted to planning@canmore.ca

  3. Applicant contacted to make permit fee payment

  4. Initial review of the application by Development Officer

  5. Notice of Permit Application Posted (10 days) 

    1. You will be required to post a notice of permit application in a visible spot to inform neighbours and any affected parties of your application. 

  6. Final review by Development Officer

  7. Notice of Decision posted (21 day appeal period)

    1. Once a decision has been made, you will be required to post a notice of decision in a visible spot to inform neighbours and any affected parties that the proposed development has been approved. If no appeals to the Subdivision & Development Appeal Board clerk are received during this time, the DP can be issued.

  8. Permit issued

    1. Construction must commence on the development within one year of the date of approval

Note: Failure to submit this form will result in your application not being processed.

Important Notice: The following documents and the applicable fee(s) are required for a complete application.

Effective Aug. 1, 2023, all development permits that are required to post notice of application and/or notice of decision must follow the sign size and placement guidelines in the Development Permit Signage Guidelines.

Not sure if you require a sign? Your File Manager will let you know when they process your application. 

Please submit a signed Statutory Declaration with your Bed & Breakfast Development Permit application.

Fee Schedule

Access Fee Schedule

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To submit your development permit please email the Development Permit Application Form and supplemental information outlined in the applicable application requirements list to planning@canmore.ca 

 

Note: For application submissions that exceed 20MB, please call 403.678.1543 or email planning@canmore.ca. Administration will provide you with a file share link to upload your application submission.

When do I need a Development Permit?

For an in-depth list of development that requires a Development Permit please see Section 1.8 - Development Permits Required in the Land Use Bylaw 

 

When is a Development Permit not required? 

For an in-depth list of development that does not require a Development Permit please see Section 1.9 - Development Permits Not Required in the Land Use Bylaw

 

What is the cost for a Development Permit?

The cost for a Development Permit can be determined by referencing the fee schedule, which can be found lower on this page.

 

Who is the Development Authority for approving a Development Permit?

The Development Authority (decision maker) for a permit depends on the type and scale of the application. The three development authorities in Canmore are Development Officers, the Canmore Planning Commission, and Town Council. In most cases, the Development Officers are the Development Authority.  In some cases, development permit applications are presented to the Canmore Planning Commission for a decision at the discretion of the Development Officer.

 

What happens if my Development Permit is appealed during the 21 day advertising period?

If a development permit decisions is appealed within the 21 days of advertising the Notice of Decision, the application decision must then be reviewed by the Subdivision & Development Appeal Board within 30 days of the Town receiving the appeal.

 

How close to the property line can we build?

This depends on your land use district, and on any other setbacks which need to be taken into account for your property.  First, find out how your property is zoned by looking at the Land Use Bylaw and searching for "Land Use District Maps." Then search for your zoning in either Residential Land Use Districts, Commercial Land Use Districts, Industrial Land Use Districts, or Direct Control Districts to read more about the required setback for your type of property.

 

 

Contact Us

If you have further questions, please submit them to the Planning & Development Department using the following form.

View Form

Public Notices for Development Approvals

The Public Notices listed here are related to Developments Permits that have have had decisions rendered by the Town of Canmore. These will be posted for the entire 21 day statutory appeal period. It is important to note that the decision is not final until the expiry of the appeal period and may be appealed to the relevant appeal board.

Public Notices for Development Approval:

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