The Planning Department is located on the Lower Level of the Civic Centre and offers services such as development and building permits, letters of compliance, assistance with the processes for subdivision review, re-designation of land, and other business, planning and environmental services. They may be contacted via e-mail or phone regarding construction such as basement development, sheds, hot tubs, garages.
We are here to help!
If you require assistance with any aspect of planning and development on lands within the Town’s boundaries, our team will work with you on getting required development and building permits or letters of compliance, as well as walking you through the processes for subdivision review, re-designation of land, or annexation.
Should your financial institution or another relevant agency request that you provide them with a Real Property Report, you may use the surveyor that they recommend or visit the Alberta Land Surveyors Association for further information on Real Property Reports.
When you acquire your Real Property Report, you can contact us to request a Certificate of Compliance, if necessary. There are various associated requirements and fees related to this certificate that are dependent on your needs. We will outline this detail for you at the time of your request.
See Planning Documents & Applications below for details on Town of Blackfalds planning documents and processes.
The Town of Blackfalds has the privilege of working with many great local residential developers. See the 2020 Residential Developer List for locations and contact information in the documents section below.
Intermunicipal Development Plan
The Town of Blackfalds and Lacombe County Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) deals with land located in and around Blackfalds and is a tool for coordinating future land uses and development between the two municipalities. It guides future urban growth and helps ensure that development in either municipality does not have an unacceptable negative impact on the other municipality.
Municipal Development Plan
The Town of Blackfalds Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is the Town's primary long-range planning document. It outlines the goals, objectives and planning philosophy for the community’s future. The current MDP was approved in 2009 and a new one is being worked on.
Area Structure Plans
These long-range plans outline how growth and development will take place in Town. They typically address areas that are one or more quarter sections in size. The plans identify land uses, roadways, infrastructure, and parks and trail systems for the area. They are prepared by developers or the Town and are approved by Council as a bylaw.
See the Draft Approval Process and contact the Planning & Development Dept. with questions or for assistance.
Land Use Bylaw
The Town of Blackfalds Land Use Bylaw is the Town’s primary tool to provide clear regulatory direction for land use and building, to achieve the orderly economic development of land, and to ensure the successful implementation of the Municipal Development Plan. The current Land Use Bylaw was adopted in 2016 with a re-write currently underway.
See Land Use Bylaw 1198-16 or the DRAFT Land Use Bylaw Document
Land Use Bylaw Amendment
To re-designate land use from one district to another, an application for Land Use Bylaw Amendment is required.
Within 60 days of receiving the form and fees, the application goes to Council for 1st reading and a Public Hearing date will be set. The applicant must be present at the hearing to provide details and answer questions. Following the hearing, Council may approve 2nd and 3rd readings or the application may be refused.
The minimal time frame for Council to consider an application for re-designation of land use is about 8 weeks.
Subdivision Application
This is the legal process of dividing parcels of land into smaller lots, which must comply with the Municipal Government Act & related Town of Blackfalds plans & bylaws.
When the application for subdivision & accompanying fee is submitted, the application is circulated to adjacent landowners & relevant agencies for feedback before going to Council for consideration & decision. If the application is approved, the applicant must meet all associated conditions prior for the Town to endorse subsequent registration with the Alberta Land Titles Office.