Development Permits

Complete the appropriate development permit application and submit it to the Town of Legal along with the appropriate permit fees.

Residential

Residential Development Permit Application

Multi Unit Development Permit Application

Non-Residential

Non Residential Development Permit Application

General/other

Redistricting Application

Sign Permit Application

Pending your development permit conforms to the LUB, the Development Authority has 40 days from the date the application was received to review the application. Approval must be received in writing before any development occurs.

A development permit approves the use of a site, as well as the size and location of any buildings or structures. Development permit approvals must be obtained for new construction, renovations, businesses, and changes of use to existing buildings. A development permit is written approval from the Town that confirms your plans meet requirements of the LUB.

Step 1: Prepare a Development Permit application – fill out the application in its entirety. Regularly refer to the LUB to ensure the development meets all requirements (ie. use, parking, landscaping, drainage, etc.).

Step 2: Submit the completed Development Permit Application along with the respective application fees to the Town Office.

Step 3: Familiarize yourself with additional Safety Code permit disciples (building, plumbing, electrical, gas, etc.)

Step 4: Once the Development Permit application has been approved in writing, complete additional Safety Code permit disciplines necessary for your development. To apply for additional permits, a development permit number is required. The development permit number can be located on the top of the approved development permit application.

Step 5: Submit the completed Safety Code permit disciplines to The Inspections Group along with the respective application fees.

Step 6: Wait for permit discipline approval. Once approved, you are permitted to begin construction.

Helpful reminders:

• Utility Safety Parnters (formerly Alberta One Call) – all underground and above ground utility lines must be located before excavation occurs.
• Ensure you have entered into an agreement with the Town for utility services such as water and sewer. A written agreement should be in place prior to any development.
• Have you considered your need for fibre optics such as telephone, internet, and cable? Contact service providers before you build to ensure you can connect to the services you require.
• Remember to familiarize yourself with the Community Standards Bylaw before you start construction.
• Did you consider any applicable rebate programs offered by the provincial or federal entities that may help lower the cost of your development?
  • Check here

What is a Land Use Bylaw (LUB)?

• The LUB establishes rules and regulations for land development.
• The LUB establishes procedures that enable the Development Authority to make decisions about development permit applications within the Town of Legal.  
• The LUB includes a variety of land use districts (commonly referred to as zones). Districts are intended to regulate land use and building use to ensure it is compatible with adjacent lands. For example, land use districts would not permit industrial development within a residential neighbourhood.  Examples of land use districts in Legal include,  R1a – Residential District, C1 – Downtown Commercial District, or the M1 - Industrial District.
• Each land use district (zone) has certain land uses that are permitted outright, others are conditional upon approval, and some are prohibited. Examples of land uses include a detached dwelling, merchandise sale, a restaurant, or manufacturing.

How does the LUB impact me?

• If you are planning to construct a building, start a business, change land use (zone), undertake renovations or redevelopment, erect a sign, or establish a secondary suite, the LUB will provide direction on the applicable rules and regulations you will need to consider.
• Refer to the LUB zoning map to find out your property’s zone. A zone map is included in the Town’s LUB. Remember, each land use district includes specific rules and regulations governing how the land can be used and what can be built.

How do I know where to find the information I need under the LUB?

• Each part of the LUB is separated into different sections. The Table of Contents can be used for easy reference.

What regulations does the LUB contain? A sample is outlined below:

• Accessory building (e.g. garage or shed) height, size, placement, exterior design, etc.
• Land use district for a parcel of land (e.g. residential, commercial, and industrial).
• Main building type, size, placement, height, elevation design, etc.
• Parking and landscaping requirements.
• Permitted and discretionary uses (e.g. residence, business, recreation, park, etc.).
• Applications which are exempt from requiring a development permit application.
• Sign and fence regulations.

What if I am unable to meet one of the regulations?

• Applicants can apply for a variance on development permit applications. However, applicants cannot apply for a use that is neither classified as a permitted use or discretionary use in the applicable land use district. In addition, applicants cannot apply for a variance for a use that has been prohibited in the LUB.
• Depending on the variance requested, the application may be considered by the Development Authority or by the Municipal Planning Commission.
• Applicants have the opportunity to apply for a Land Use Bylaw amendment in which you could request to change a specific regulation, land use, or the land use district for a specific parcel of land.

What is a permitted use and does it require a development permit?

• A permitted use means a land use that is allowed under a land use district.
• Permitted Uses are listed under each respective land use district.
• Permitted uses vary between each land use district.
• Yes, permitted uses require a development permit. This ensures conformance to the LUB.
• The Development Authority or Municipal Planning Commission must approve an application for a permitted use which complies with the LUB. However, conditions may be applied to the permit.

What is a discretionary use?

• In simple terms, discretionary use means a land use, building, or other structure that may be allowed by the Development Authority after due consideration is given to the impact of that use upon neighbouring land.
• Discretionary uses are listed under each land use district.
• Discretionary uses vary between each land use district.
• A Development Authority may approve the discretionary use application with or without conditions. They may also refuse the application while providing reasons, or refer the application to the Municipal Planning Commission who may approve or deny the application.

Letters of Compliance

What do I need to know about buying or selling a house?

The Town of Legal can advise property owners that their property is in compliance with the Land Use Bylaw (LUB). Although these letters are not required by municipalities, they are recommended and often requested in order to complete a real estate transaction.

What is a Letter of Compliance?

A letter of compliance is a confirmation that a property meets the regulations of the LUB based on a Real Property Report (RPR). RPR’s are prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor.

The process requires the review buildings and structures on a property to ensure they are in compliance with the LUB. As part of the process, an internal review will be completed in order to check for any registered encroachments, caveats, or variances. The review will determine whether any of the aforementioned is required in order to bring the property into compliance.

How do I obtain a Real Property Report?

Contact a registered Alberta Land Surveyor to survey your property and prepare a RPR. Alberta Land Surveyors may be found here. 

The Town of Legal does not prepare or distribute copies of RPR’s due to copyright.

When do I need a Letter of Compliance?

• If you are selling a property:

If you plan on selling your property, you may be required to apply for a Letter of Compliance. You should apply for it at the time you list your property for sale. Obtaining a Letter of Compliance is proactive and can help prevent complications at the point of sale.

• If you are purchasing a property:

If you are purchasing a property, it is recommended to request a copy of the Letter of Compliance from the seller to confirm the property meets the regulations of the LUB, prior to completing your purchase.  Ensuring the property you are purchasing is compliant with the LUB is part of doing your diligence as a home buyer. It is a common misconception that what is shown on the property actually belongs on the property. For example, a fence may be built on adjacent lands, or the backyard may have an environmental easement that does not belong to the current property owner.

What are the benefits to applying for a Letter of Compliance?

• Ensures there are no surprises regarding the land use, including alterations or additions.
• Ensures all structures requiring development permits have been applied for and approved by the Development.
• Avoids possible financial setbacks should a title not be compliant at the time of title transfer.
• Ensures that your property is compliant with the Town of Legal’s LUB.

Why should I apply for a Letter of Compliance early?

• To reduce stress associated with the sale of a property, by dealing with non-compliant issues prior to the final sale of a property.
• To decrease the chance of a financial holdback due to restricted and limited timelines related to the transaction.
• Ensures you as the seller takes full responsibility for your property.

What do I need to apply for a Letter of Compliance?

• Original copy of an RPR as provided by an Alberta Land Surveyor.
• Payment a fee of $40.00 to the Town of Legal. The cost associated with a Letter of Compliance is an administrative fee. Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque or Interac. All cheques should be made payable to the Town of Legal. 

How long does it take to get a Letter of Compliance?

It is recommended to apply for a Letter of Compliance as soon as possible to avoid any complications or setbacks prior to negotiating a real estate transaction. Allow up to 30 days.

Additional Information

When selling or buying a home remember to contact the Town Office regarding utility service connect/disconnects, tax information, or development permit requirements. Information can also be found on the municipal website.