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# Planning and Development
Planning and Development in the Town of Coalhurst supports thoughtful growth, responsible land use, and a strong community vision. Whether you are building a new home, starting a business, subdividing land, or proposing a development project, our team is here to guide you through the process. We work to ensure that development aligns with the Town's Land Use Bylaw, long-term planning documents, and community priorities while providing clear, timely, and professional service to residents and applicants.
Coming January 2027: A new regional planning and development service between Coalhurst and Lethbridge County. Read details here.
## On This Page
## Development Permits
Residents planning to undertake a development project or build in the Town of Coalhurst must be aware of, and follow, certain requirements. They must also secure all necessary permits, prior to commencing a project.
View GIS mapping
If you have any questions please call the Town of Coalhurst Development Officer at (403) 381-3033 or e-mail [email protected].
**Click** **here** **for planning and development information such as:**
* Land Use Bylaw and Land Use Bylaw Map
* Municipal Development Plan
* Area Structure Plan
* Intermunicipal Development Plans
* Other important documents
### Development Permit Forms
* A. Form A: Residential Development Permit Application
* A1. Dwelling development checklist
* A2. Accessory development checklist
* B. Form B: Non-residential Development Permit Application
* B1. Commercial - industrial development checklist
* C. Form C: Home Occupation Development Permit Application
* C1. Home occupation development checklist
* D. Form D: Building Removal Development Permit Application
* D1. Demolition - Building Removal checklist
* E. Form E: Signage Development Permit Application
* E1. Signage development checklist
* F. Form F: Plan Amendment Application
* G. Form G: Time Extension
* H. Form H: Appeal Application
* I. Form I: Telecommunication Application
* J. Form J: Voluntary waiver of claims
## Building Permits
All building permits are to be applied for online through Park Enterprises Ltd. For any questions, or to access a PDF application form, they can be reached by phone at 1-800-621-5440, email: [email protected], or parkenterprises.ca.
## Application Procedure
In addition to the Development Permit application and fee, you are also required to submit:
* One copy of a site plan (please see the example)
* One set of construction drawings or blue prints.
The permit and plans must be submitted to the Town of Coalhurst Development Officer, at the Coalhurst Town Office, 100 - 51 Avenue, Coalhurst, where the appropriate fee will determined for the applicant to make payment.
The **Planning & Development Fee Schedule** can be found in the current year's **Fees and Rates Bylaw** (Fees are subject to change without notice, and should be verified by the Development Officer)
## Subdivisions
Brochures and information on subdivisions:
* Notice of Change in Subdivision Fees (as of January 1, 2026)
* Before You Subdivide Brochure - 2026
* Finalizing a Subdivision Brochure - 2026
* Extension Request Form - 2026
* Urban Subdivision Package (2026) - Fillable
* Rural Subdivision Package (2026) - Fillable
## Statutory Planning Instruments
## Development Bylaws and Policies
Search
Type(s) - Any -BylawPolicy
| Name Sort descending | Type(s) |
| --- | --- |
| 2026 Fees & Rates Bylaw | Bylaw |
| Business License Bylaw | Bylaw |
| Chinook Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Bylaw | Bylaw |
| Land Use Bylaw | Bylaw |
| Municipal Subdivision and Development Authority Bylaw | Bylaw |
| Off-Site Levy Bylaw | Bylaw |
| Public Notification Bylaw | Bylaw |
| Public Participation Policy | Policy |
| Utility Bylaw | Bylaw |
| Utility Bylaw - Amendment | Bylaw |
## Planning and Development FAQs
###
Development and Safety Codes permits are almost always required when doing any construction, including renovations and additions, as well as when there is a new or change-in-use on the land.
Projects that require permits include:
* New buildings (houses and garages)
* Additions to buildings, which includes decks that are enclosed, covered, and/or higher than 2 ft. above the ground
* Sheds not on a permanent foundation over 100 sq. ft.
* Sheds of any size on a permanent foundation and gazebos
* In-ground pools (\*hot tubs require Building and Electrical Permits)
* Basement suite development
* Home-based businesses of any scale
* Roof-mounted solar panels
When you start planning your project, it is highly recommended that you contact the Town of Coalhurst Development Officer at 403-381-3033 or email [email protected] to discuss your project and determine what information is required to be submitted with the permit applications.
###
Application forms are available at the Town Office and on the Town's website coalhurst.ca/services/planning-development/. Applications can be dropped off at the Town Office or emailed to: [email protected]. Applicants will be advised if any additional documentation is required, including the applicable application fee(s), and will be provided with a reasonable timeframe to submit the absent information. Any application that has been deemed incomplete may be refused if the applicant does not submit the missing documentation before the deadline. Once a complete application has been received, the Development Authority has up to 40 days to make a decision.
###
The Development Officer will review your application and assess the project's compliance with the Land Use Bylaw. If the application is for a discretionary use, which includes waiver requests over 10%, the application will be reviewed by the Town's Municipal Subdivision & Development Authority (MSDA) and notifications will be mailed to the adjacent and affected landowners. Applicants will be advised by email and mail of the Development Authority's decision to either approve or refuse the application. The Development Authority's decision is subject to a 21-day appeal period. If an appeal is filed, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board will start the appeal process.
Approved Development Permits come into effect after the 21-day appeal period has been exhausted. Friendly reminder that the Town of Coalhurst has a *zero-tolerance policy* in place for commencing any work without the benefit of obtaining the necessary permits. For more information on this policy visit: coalhurst.ca/services/planning-development.
###
The process of getting permits depends on the type of permit and the nature of what is being applied for. Electrical, gas, and plumbing permits can typically be issued within a few days. Development Permits and Building Permits may take as little as 1-2 weeks if what is being applied for is a permitted use. Discretionary use applications require additional time, sometimes up to a month, as they require notification to the adjacent and affected landowners.
Please note that Development Permits become valid after the provincially legislated 21-day appeal period following the Development Authority's date of decision has passed.
###
The fees are calculated based on what is being applied for. Once the application is reviewed the applicant will be advised of the applicable fees. The permit fees are listed in the Fees and Rates Bylaw on the Town's website: Coalhurst.ca.
###
Development and building permits are two different kinds of permits, but both are equally important. A development permit ensures that what is being applied for complies with the Town of Coalhurst's Land Use Bylaw. The Development permit allows for the use of the proposed development and its location on the property. A building permit ensures that the development meets the Alberta Building Code. All safety code permits for the Town of Coalhurst are issued by Park Enterprises 1-800-621-5440.
If you have any questions about developing in Coalhurst, please contact the Town Office at 403-381-3033 or email [email protected].
## Important Notices and Approvals
Approved Development Permits 2026
**Please call before you DIG!** 1 (800) 242-3447.
**Note:** It is the excavator's responsibility to contact all companies who are not part of the Utility Safety Partners Network, formerly known as Alberta One-Call Service.
**Attention:** It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the work being carried out does not contravene the requirements of restrictive covenants, caveats, or any other restrictions which may be registered against the property.