If you proceed with your project without obtaining the necessary permits, you could face significant consequences. Not only are you subject to double the normal permit fees, but you may also be issued a Stop Order. This order could require you to either undo or remove the work or apply for the correct permits. To avoid these penalties, it's essential to ensure that you have all the required approvals in place before beginning any construction or renovation.

Yes, a Development Permit (DP) is required for most Home-Based Businesses or Home Occupations. Home-Based Businesses are divided into two categories:  

To determine whether your business falls under a minor or major category, and to confirm if it is permitted or discretionary in your zone, please check your zoning district and review the applicable regulations in the Land Use Bylaw (LUB).

You can find your zoning information and view the permitted/discretionary uses on our interactive map: Interactive Map.

For further assistance, please contact the Development Officer

Development Permits, Subdivisions, and Other Applications

The fees for development permits, subdivisions, and other applications vary depending on the scope of your project. Since the cost depends on specific details of your application, we recommend checking our Fees and Charges Bylaw to see the rates applicable to your situation. You can access the bylaw in our Bylaw and Policy section of our website.

For more detailed inquiries or to get help determining the fee for your specific application, please contact our Land Use and Economic Development Officer at:

Phone: 780-942-3519 Ext 330
Email: devofficer@redwater.ca

Safety Codes Fees

Safety code permits, such as building, plumbing, electrical, and gas inspections, the fees are handled directly by Superior Safety Codes. If you need information on their fees, please contact them directly at:

📞 Superior Safety Codes
✉️ [Insert Contact Info Here]
🌐 www.superiorsafetycodes.com

The development approval process ensures that proposed projects align with local regulations and land use requirements. Under Section 683.1 of the Municipal Government Act, timelines are established for reviewing applications, requesting additional information, and issuing decisions. Here’s what you can expect during the approval process:

The authority to approve or deny development permit applications depends on whether the proposed use is permitted or discretionary under the Town’s Land Use Bylaw.

• Permitted Uses – If a development falls under a permitted use in the Land Use Bylaw and meets all applicable regulations, the Development Authority is responsible for issuing the permit. The Development Authority is appointed by Council and is currently the Land Use Bylaw & Economic Development Officer.

• Discretionary Uses – If a development is considered a discretionary use, or requires a variance, the decision is made by the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC). The MPC consists of two members of Council and three members of the public (members-at-large).

For questions about permit decisions, please contact the Land Use and Economic Development Officer:

Phone: 780-942-3519 Ext 330
E️mail: devofficer@redwater.ca

If you disagree with a decision regarding your own development permit—or another permit that may affect you—you have the right to appeal to the Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (ISDAB).

• Who can appeal?

  • The applicant (if their permit is denied or approved with conditions they disagree with).
  • Affected parties (if they believe a permit approval negatively impacts them).

• How do I appeal?

  • Appeals must be filed:

    Subdivision	14 days of receipt of the written decision.  The date of receipt is 7 days from the mailing date of the decision.
    Development Permit Applicant	21 days from the date on which the written decision is given or the date of deemed refusal.
    Person Affected by a Stop Order	21 days from the date on which the order is made.
    Person Affected by a Development Permit	21 days from the date on which notice of issuance of the permit was given in accordance with the Land Use Bylaw.

  • Submit a written appeal, along with the required fee, to the ISDAB Clerk.

The ISDAB is a quasi-judicial board that operates independently from the Development Authority and the Municipal Planning Commission. It reviews appeals based on planning considerations and applicable legislation.

For more information or to submit an appeal, contact the ISDAB Clerk:

Phone: ISDAB Clerk: 780.942.3519 ext. 250
Email: redwater@redwater.ca

In Alberta, development permits and safety codes permits serve different purposes:

• Development Permits ensure that a project aligns with local zoning and land use regulations. They regulate what can be built and where.
• Safety Codes Permits ensure that construction meets provincial building, electrical, gas, plumbing, and fire safety standards. They regulate how something is built.

Both permits are essential, but they address different aspects of a project. A development permit grants approval for land use, while safety codes permits ensure the project is constructed safely and up to code.

The Town of Redwater contracts with Superior Safety Codes to provide safety codes services, including building, electrical, plumbing, gas, and fire inspections. This decision allows us to access specialized expertise and ensure that all safety code inspections are conducted by certified professionals. Contracting out these services offers several benefits: Expertise, Efficiency, and Cost-Effectiveness.

This approach helps maintain the high standards required to keep our community safe while ensuring compliance with provincial regulations.

For more information or assistance with safety codes permits, please contact Superior Safety Codes at:

• Phone: 1-888-451-4577
• Email: info@superiorsafetycodes.com

Addresses for new developments are assigned based on municipal addressing standards to ensure clear identification and effective emergency response. If you're constructing a new building or subdivision, municipal staff will provide you with an assigned address as part of the approval process. For more information, contact our Land Use Development Officer at 780-942-3519 ext. 330 or email devofficer@redwater.ca.