Development Permits

Development Permits deal primarily with a development's impact on surrounding properties. Building Permits deal with structural stability of buildings and the health and safety of the building's occupants.

If you are proposing new development or renovations to existing development or changing the use of a current building, you will require permits from the City of Spruce Grove. Most developments require both a development permit and a building permit.

If you are planning to excavate or stockpile, construct a new building, alter an existing building or change the use or intensity of use of a property, you will need a development permit. You may also require a development permit before you can apply for a business license. A development permit is written approval from the City of Spruce Grove that ensures that what you are planning to do complies with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw. The development permit process addresses how land is used and helps preserve and enhance the quality of life in our community.

Your Development Permit Application  may be reviewed by a number of City departments. If any concerns or specific needs are identified you will be advised and asked to contact the other departments for special approvals.

Once the Development Officer is satisfied that all concerns have been addressed and your proposal complies with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw, your development permit will be issued. The Development Officer may have up to 40 days in which to make a decision.

Only after the following have been met, may you proceed:

1. Final approval of all development and building permits
2. Expiry of the appeal period.
3. All conditions associated with the development and building permits will be met

If your proposal does not comply with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw and you are refused a development permit, or you feel that you can not meet the conditions applied to your permit, you may appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB).

Your appeal must be registered with the SDAB within the appeal expiry date appearing on your development permit. An appeal fee of $100.00 (all or portion of fee may be refunded at discretion of Subdivision and Development Appeal Board) is charged for lodging an appeal by the Applicant, $50.00 if appealed by an adjacent land owner or a person affected by the decision.

The decision of the SDAB may be appealed to the Court of Appeal, but only on a point of law or jurisdiction.

You must act on the development permit within 12 months from the date of issue, or the permit becomes invalid unless otherwise stated in the permit.

Fees for development permit applications vary and are payable upon application.