Development Application Process and Forms

Below is a list of common forms used in the development and permitting process. Each form has a specific purpose that helps ensure projects comply with local regulations and planning standards.

Accessory Development Application Form

Use this form for accessory projects such as garages, sheds, decks, or secondary suites. These developments must complement the principal building and meet specific zoning and design requirements.

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Agreement for Time Extension

This form is used when an applicant requires additional time to complete an approved development. It allows you to formally request an extension to your permit’s original timeline, subject to municipal approval.

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Application for a Temporary Development Permit

Use this form to apply for short-term or seasonal developments, such as temporary structures, construction trailers, or special event installations. Temporary permits ensure safety and compliance while the activity is underway.

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Application to Amend the Land Use Bylaw

If a proposed development does not fit within current zoning or land use regulations, this form initiates a request to change or amend the Land Use Bylaw. This process typically involves a public hearing and Council approval.

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Home Occupation Application

This application is required for operating a business from a residential property. It ensures that home-based businesses meet community standards regarding traffic, signage, and neighborhood impact.

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Principal Building Application Package Form

This comprehensive form is used for new construction, major renovations, or any principal structure on a property. It includes all key documentation and checklists needed to initiate the review and permitting process.

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Resident Business License Application Form

Before operating a business within municipal limits, residents must obtain a valid business license. This form allows the municipality to track local enterprises and ensure compliance with business and zoning regulations.

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Voluntary Waiver of Claims

This document is used to acknowledge and waive certain claims or liabilities during the development process. It may be required for specific permissions, site access, or construction-related activities.

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A permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, relocations, and repairs or rehabilitation of a building or structure. Some minor repairs do not require a permit.

Listed are some typical projects and whether or not they require a permit:

Projects that REQUIRE a permit

• Building a new house, garage, or shed.

• Building an addition to an existing house or garage.

• Interior renovations that alter the structure of the building.

• Moving or relocating a building or mobile home onto a lot.

• Constructing a fence exceeding 1.2 m (4 ft) in height in a front yard..

• Constructing a fence exceeding 2.0 m (6.5 ft) in height anywhere on the property.

• installing a shipping container anywhere in the property except if approved during the building process.

• In-ground outdoor swimming pool or other type of permanent outdoor swimming pool.

• installing solar collectors on a property.

Projects that typically DO NOT REQUIRE a permit

• Superficial interior renovations.

• Minor exterior repairs such as replacing siding, shingles, or eavestroughs with no structural changes.

• Back yard play structures.

• Temporary aboveground outdoor hot tubs and temporary outdoor swimming pools.

• Planting trees, shrubs, or other landscaping plants.

1. Determine the Land Use District and if the site is appropriate for your proposal.  

2. Review the Land Use Bylaw regulations that apply to the property you are interested in.  

3. Discuss your plans with the Development Officer in the EARLY stage of your project; this will save you time and money.  

4. File a complete application and pay all applicable fees.(Including a $3,000 development bond for new homes that will be returned if all of the plans are followed and conditions are met.)

• Complete a Development Permit Application form, which are available on this page or at the Town Office. 

• Be sure to complete the ENTIRE form, and sign and date the bottom.

• Pay all applicable fees (Payable to the Town of Magrath).

• Provide a copy of an accurate Site Plan.

• Include construction drawings of your project, including floor plans, photographs, elevation drawings, drainage plans, and a list of exterior finishes and colours.

If your Development permit application is a Discretionary Use, it is presented before the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) for their review and consideration.  The MPC can Approve, Approve with Conditions, or Refuse the Development Permit application.  An appeal can be made by the applicant/owner, Developer, or by any person deemed to be affected by the decision.  If no appeal is made, the Development Permit can then be issued.

Should an appeal be made, then this process goes before the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) for their review and consideration.  The SDAB can agree with the original approval, modify the conditions, or refuse the decision.  If the SDAB approves the Development Permit, a Building Permit will then need to be applied for.

If your Development permit application is a Permitted Use, and ALL requirements comply within the Land Use Bylaw, the Development Officer can evaluate and issue a Development Permit.   A Development Permit has been issued in accordance with a Notice of Decision, but SHALL NOT BE VALID until 21 days after the date of the issuance of notice in accordance with Section 686(1) of the Municipal Government Act.

Once the appeal period has expired, and no appeal has been launched, the Development Permit then becomes VALID.  When a Development Permit application is issued for APPROVAL, a Building Permit will then need to be applied for. The Town of Magrath contracts this service to The Inspections Group.

Work that is done without a permit may not meet the Land Use Bylaw or the minimum building code requirements and could result in substandard construction that may not be structurally adequate. This could lead to costly repairs in the future to correct the problem or even a complete failure of the construction. Work that cannot be made to comply will require removal. The cost of a permit “after the fact” bears a penalty of $500.00. Legal action may be initiated to ensure compliance.

If you or the contractor you have hired are going to build, add, renovate or alter any part of your residence, or perform work on the electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical system for your residence, ensure that a permit has been obtained prior to starting the work/installation. Permits ensure that the work is in compliance with all codes and safety standards and will be inspected by an authorized Safety Codes Officer to ensure professional standards are met.