Frequently Asked Questions

Planning & Development

1. So, how do I know what requires a development permit and what does not?

2. If my deck or shed does not require a permit, can I build it where ever I want?

3. How do I know for sure if my development needs a permit or not?

4. What is the land use districting (zoning) of my property and what can I build on it?

5. How can I find information on the City's Planning and Development processes?

6. There is a vacant lot/field near my house. How can I find out what may be built there?

7. I live near a development site, but I did not receive a notice of an upcoming meeting. How can I be informed of future meetings relating to the development?

8. I am planning on building a garden shed in my backyard. Do I need a development permit and are there specific regulations about where I can put the shed?

9. I want to replace my existing fence with a higher fence. Do I need specific approval from the City?

10. I am thinking of constructing an addition to my house. One of my neighbours said that since we live in an older or "established" neighbourhood, additional development regulations may affect my plans. How can I find out before I get too far along in my planning?

1. So, how do I know what requires a development permit and what does not?

Well, unless you're a City employee and well versed in the City's Land Use Bylaw, it's hard to know exactly what requires a development permit and what does not. Our Land Use Bylaw lays out specifically what does not require a permit. A permit is not required if you are doing minor renovations such as painting or re-shingling your house. But once you start adding windows, moving walls, adding on or building something new, then you likely need to get a permit first. However, there are always exceptions to the rules. For example, a small shed or a low deck does not require a development permit.

2. If my deck or shed does not require a permit, can I build it wherever I want?

No, the Land Use Bylaw sets out how far structures can be placed from property lines, height, site coverage and other regulations that apply to all developments whether they require a permit or not. Just because a development permit is not required, the development permit still must comply with all the development requirements set out in the City of St. Albert Land Use Bylaw.

3. How do I know for sure if my development needs a permit or not?
If you are unsure that you may or may not require a permit, call the City of St. Albert Planning & Development Branch at 780-459-1642. A staff member will be able to answer any questions related to your development and the City's Land Use Bylaw. While contractors are well versed on the Land Use Bylaw requirements, it is your home and you will be on the hook if any permits were not issued for work. It's a good idea to ensure that the contractor obtained all necessary permits.

4. What is the land use districting (zoning) of my property and what can I build on it?
Land use districting (zoning) for all properties in the City of St. Albert is included within Land Use Bylaw 9/2005. To find the districting (zoning) of your property, you will need to reference Schedule A of the Land Use Bylaw. Once you have found your district on the map, you can read the pertinent sections of the Land Use Bylaw that apply to your property to determine what you can build. If you live in an older neighbourhood within St. Albert, you may also need to reference Schedule E of the Land Use Bylaw, which provides additional regulations for low density projects in established neighbourhoods. If you need help finding information regarding your property, or if you have questions regarding your Land Use District, you can contact the Planning and Development Department at 780-459-1642.

5. How can I find information on the City's Planning and Development processes?
The Planning and Development Department has developed a Planning Primer that provides background information on the City's planning and development processes and definitions of terms. It also gives information on different types of public consultation that occur as a development progresses through the review process and how citizens can get involved.

6. There is a vacant lot/field near my house. How can I find out what may be built there?
There are a few ways you can find out information regarding possible future development within the City. If you are in a newer neighbourhood (built since 1980), you are likely located in an area governed by an Area Structure Plan, which is a bylaw that establishes how the neighbourhood will develop. To determine what is left to develop in the area, you will need to figure out what Area Structure Plan you are in according to the City's Area Structure Plan Index Map. Once you know the name of the Area Structure Plan for your neighbourhood, you can then refer to the corresponding Area Structure Plan Bylaw to find out the future land uses within the area.

If you live in an area that is not covered by an Area Structure Plan, or if you would like to verify that a Land Use District has already been assigned to the property, you will need to reference the Land Use Bylaw. This process is explained in question 1 above.

If you have additional questions or would like to know whether a Development Permit has already been issued for the site, phone the Planning and Development Department at 780-459-1642.

7. I live near a development site, but I did not receive a notice of an upcoming meeting. How can I be informed of future meetings relating to the development?

Project-related notifications are typically sent to property owners within 100 metres of a project site ahead of public consultation meetings, at the time an application is received by the City and prior to any required public hearings, in accordance with City Council C-P&E-01 (Public Consultation Requirements for Planning and Development Processes). If you live more than 100 metres away from a project site, but would like to be kept informed of a project, you can phone the Planning and Development Department at 780-459-1642 and request to be put on the contact list for future notifications. Notifications of public meetings and public hearings are also advertised in the St. Albert Gazette.

8. I am planning on building a garden shed in my backyard. Do I need a development permit and are there specific regulations about where I can put the shed?
If your shed is going to be less than 10 square metres in floor area, then you will not need a development permit, but you will still need to comply with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw. For example, the shed can only be located in the backyard and must be at least 1.0 m from any property line.

9. I want to replace my existing fence with a higher fence. Do I need specific approval from the City?

Generally, fence construction within residential districts of the City does not require approval by the City although there are certain situations where a development permit would be required. To determine if you need a permit, read the following information.

10. I am thinking of constructing an addition to my house. One of my neighbours said that since we live in an older or "established" neighbourhood, additional development regulations may affect my plans. How can I find out before I get too far along in my planning?

If you live in Akinsdale, Braeside, Forest Lawn, Grandin, Lacombe Park, Mission, Sturgeon or Woodlands then your neighbour is correct. There are now infill guidelines that may be applicable to your planned addition. These infill guidelines refer to the Established Neighbourhood Overlay District that City Council adopted in 2006 as a Schedule to the Land Use Bylaw. The Overlay District serves to ensure that the character of established neighbourhoods in the City is maintained with new development or renovations.