Frequently asked questions

Most projects need a Development Permit, a Building Permit, or both. If your project fits within the land use bylaws of your county, a Development Permit may not be needed. We will confirm what applies before getting started.

Development Permit: land-use rules (zoning, setbacks, height, lot coverage). Building Permit: building code and construction safety. If needed, the Development Permit must be approved before the Building Permit.

Development Permits take the longest and can range anywhere from 2 – 12 weeks, depending on if your application triggers circulation, neighbour notice or discretionary review. Building Permits are typically issued between 1 – 6 weeks. We reduce delays by submitting a complete package and handling deficiency responses fast.

Typically we ask for: address/legal land, what you’re building (size + intended use), any plans you have, and where you want it on the property. If available, send a land title/RPR, photos, and any septic/well/approach info. Don’t worry if you don’t have it all — we’ll map out what’s needed.

We focus on rural Alberta. Common service areas include places like Rocky View, Foothills, Wheatland, Mountain View, Kneehill and nearby municipalities. If you send your address or legal land description, we’ll confirm fit right away.

We can prepare/coordinate site plans and the full submission package. You may need engineered/stamped documents for things like large clear spans, major beams, multi-storey structures, unusual loads, retaining walls, or commercial builds. We’ll tell you early so you don’t design twice.

We handle bylaw/zoning review, application prep, site plan support, submission, and follow- ups. If the municipality requests changes, we coordinate revisions and resubmissions and keep you updated on what’s happening and what’s next.

That’s common on rural parcels. Options usually include moving the building, adjusting dimensions, or applying for a variance/relaxation. We’ll identify the exact rule you’re up against and help build a rationale using practical impacts (safety, drainage, visibility, neighbors, intended use).

Yes. Appeals are time-sensitive (often a short window, like 14–21 days, depending on the municipality). We’ll review the decision, clarify what can realistically be challenged, and help assemble a clean package: rationale, drawings, photos, supporting documents, and a plan for the hearing process.

Yes! We do barns, shops, machine storage, livestock shelters, riding arenas, ag storage and more. “Farm building” rules depend on intended use and municipal definitions, and some structures may have different building code/permit requirements. We’ll confirm what applies and submit accordingly.

Yes. These often include extra steps like pre-application review, public notice, council/committee decisions, parking/access requirements, servicing (water/septic/storm), and higher-detail drawings. We start with a quick review and then outline the path, risks, and expected timeline.

Many common applications are flat-rate or tiered based on complexity. Municipal fees are separate and paid to the municipality. For rezoning/appeals/complex commercial, we quote based on scope so you’re not guessing. Check out our pricing schedule on our How it Works (https://www.countypermits.ca/how-it-works)page