Applications may be submitted via email (development@lethcounty.ca) or in person at the Lethbridge office.
Want to mail your application? Send it here:
Lethbridge County
#100, 905 - 4 Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4E4
Read permitting FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Permitting Process
Scheduling a pre-application meeting with the Planning & Development department is strongly encouraged.
The application process takes approximately 4-8 weeks. It is advisable to plan accordingly and apply well in advance.
- Pre-application consultation: Applicants are recommended to discuss their proposal with the Development Planner and/or Supervisor of Planning and Development. Call 403-328-5525 to speak to staff.
- Consult Land Use Bylaw: Applicants must consult the County’s Land Use Bylaw prior to making a Development Permit Application. If the proposed use of the land aligns with its current designation and discretionary uses, an application may be submitted.
- Changes to existing land use: If the proposed use of the land does not conform to the current land use designation or regulations, an application for re-designation must be submitted and approved prior to the Development Permit application being made.
- Application submitted: The application is submitted with the necessary forms (see below), fees, and supporting information which varies depending on the project. Visit our Forms and Documents page for application forms.
- Evaluation of application: the Development Authority reviews the application for missing information, evaluates the impact on adjacent properties, considers comments made from circulation to other agencies, and assesses the project’s compliance with the County’s Land Use Bylaw. If the application is considered a discretionary use, the adjacent/impacted landowners are notified of the application.
- Decision: A decision is made by the Development Authority either approving or refusing the application. The applicant will be mailed a Notice of Decision.
- Approval and public appeal period: If a Development Permit is approved, it is advertised in the Sunny South News and there is a 21-day period to allow for public appeals. The receipt of a public appeal would start an appeal process heard by the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
- Permit issuance: Provided that appeals (if any) are resolved, the approved Development Permit comes into effect. If the development proposal entails erecting any building or structures, then Building Permits must be obtained prior to beginning construction. All building permits in Lethbridge County are issued by Park Enterprises. Click the link for more information: Building Permits- Provincial Requirements
- Completion: A Development Completion Inspection may be required to ensure all the requirements of the Development Permit have been met and the construction reflects the approved plans.
Application Forms
Visit the Development Forms & Documents page for the paperwork required for a development permit, as well as informational packages on common development projects.
Before you submit your application, fill out a checklist to ensure you have all required documentation.
PLEASE NOTE: Lethbridge County is an accredited municipality with Municipal Affairs, which means that the County has the authority to administer the Safety Codes Act for the building, plumbing (includes septic), electrical, and gas disciplines. Lethbridge County is contracted with Park Enterprises to provide all required Safety Codes inspection services in the County. Park Enterprises Phone: 403-329-3747 |
| Questions? |
| Call 403-328-5525 Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
Development Permit FAQs
Development Permits VS. Safety Code Permits
A Development Permit is written approval from Lethbridge County that your proposed development complies with the County’s current land use bylaw. A Development Permit is required before obtaining any Safety Code Permits.
Safety Code Permits include Building, Electrical, Gas, Plumbing, and Private Sewage permits. These permits are required by law to ensure all construction projects comply with the safety codes and standards governed by the Province of Alberta. Safety Code permits can be obtained through Park Enterprises Ltd.
How do I know if I need a Development permit?
Lethbridge County has 14 different Land Use Districts, all of which have different permitted and discretionary uses. These uses are documented in the Lethbridge County Land Use Bylaw 24-007.
If you have questions about your land use zoning, and whether you require a Development Permit, it’s best to contact our office at development@lethcounty.ca or 403.328.5525.
How early should I submit my Development Permit Application?
The Development Permitting process takes time. It is ideal to apply for your Development Permit at least 8-12 weeks prior to your estimated start date.
Before applying, it’s important to know the details of what you want to build, including placement on the parcel and construction details, like size, appearance, and orientation. Once a permit is issued, these details cannot be revised, and any changes will require a new development permit.
How can I submit my Development Permit Application?
Development permit application forms and checklists can be found on our website. We encourage that you discuss your proposed project with the County’s Planning & Development team before submitting your application to answer any questions you may have.
Applications and required documentation can be submitted by email to development@lethcounty.ca, or dropped off at the office. We encourage digital submissions and plans for document legibility purposes.
What happens after I submit my application?
Once your application is submitted, Lethbridge County has 20 days to assess it and contact you for additional information. It is during the assessment period that we will provide you will the assessed fees, which can be paid online via credit card, or in-office using debit, cash, or cheque.
Once your application is deemed complete, Lethbridge County has 40 days to decide whether to approve or refuse your application. Before making a decision, we will circulate the application to any relevant parties for comment. This may include Alberta Transportation, the irrigation districts, adjacent landowners, or any other parties who may be affected by the development.
I've received my Notice of Decision, now what?
A Notice of Decision is accompanied by either reasons for refusal, or an approved Development Permit with conditions. All decisions are subject to a three-week appeal period throughout which time affected parties may appeal the decision. The applicant/owner is liable to remove any development commenced prior to the completion of the appeal period in the event that the permit is refused or appealed and overturned.
This is also the time to apply for Safety Code Permits, including Building, Electrical, Gas, Plumbing, and Private Sewage Permits. If you have a contractor, this is something they may do on your behalf. To find out which permits are required for your project, contact Park Enterprises Ltd at 403.329.3747 or contact@parkenterprises.ca.
My project is complete and permit conditions met, now what?
Lethbridge County does not currently require any notice that your project is complete. If we have any questions about your project, we will reach out to you directly.
Where can I get more information?
Learn more about Development Permits, or contact 403.328.5525 and request to speak to the Planning & Development Department.
Read more about Safety Code Permits, or contact Park Enterprises Ltd at 403.329.3747.