County of Lethbridge

Applications may be submitted in person at the Lethbridge office.  

Applications by mail should be sent to the address below:

Lethbridge County
#100, 905 - 4th Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4E4

Permitting Process

Scheduling a pre-application meeting with the Planning & Development department is strongly encouraged.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Decision: A decision is made by the Development Authority either approving or refusing the application. The applicant will be mailed a Notice of Decision.
7. 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.
8. 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
9. 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.

The application process takes approximately 5-7 weeks to process.  It is advisable to plan accordingly and apply well in advance.

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.

Click to view: 2023 Fees