Development Permit

Development permits are required by the City of Brooks Land Use Bylaw and the Municipal Government Act of the Province of Alberta. This legislation sets the standards for development within the City.

What is a development?


- an excavation or stockpile and the creation of either of them,
- a building or addition to, or replacement or repair of a building and the construction or placing of any of them in, on, over or under land,
- a change in the use of land or a building or an act done in relation to land or a building that results in or is likely to result in a change in the use of the land or building, or
- a change in the intensity of use of land or a building or an act done in relation to land or a building that results in or is likely to result in a change in the intensity or use of the land or building.


When do I need a Development Permit?


Development Permits are required for most types of development within the City. This includes the placement or construction of a building, a change of use within an existing building or renovations in a building.

A Development Permit is not required for the following development provided that such development complies with the Land Use Bylaw:

(a) accessory buildings up to 10 m2 in residential districts, provided they meet all other requirements as set forth in this bylaw; 

(b) accessory buildings up to 60 m2 in all other districts, provided they meet all other requirements as set forth in Schedules 2 to 4 of this bylaw; 

(c) interior or exterior renovations to a building that do not: 

  • Create another dwelling unit; 
  • Increase parking requirements; 
  • Result in the change of use of a building; or 
  • Increase the square footage (increase density). 

(d) the construction and maintenance of gates, fences, walls or other means of enclosure that meet the requirements of this bylaw; 

(e) the landscaping of a parcel that shall not have proposed grades which would adversely impact the site or adjacent property and which is not a requirement of another development permit;

(f) the construction of a balcony, patio, uncovered deck or landing that meets the requirements of this bylaw; 

(g) the installation of swimming pools and hot tubs with a depth of up to 600 mm;

(h) any mobile vendor if: 

(i) they are part of a special event or seasonal sale hosted by a non-profit or community organization; or 

(ii) the area of a stand or structure and any other materials used for service or retail purposes can fit within an area of 4.6 m2 (50 ft2 ).


Who can apply for a Development Permit?

Anyone can submit an application for a development permit whether or not they own the property concerned, provided they have a letter of authorization from the property owner.


Obtaining a Permit

To obtain a permit, submit a written application on the prescribed form, accompanied with the required plans, and pay the prescribed fee.

A building permit may also be required. Please contact the City to determine if a building permit is required for your proposed work.

Development Permit application forms are available at City Hall or by selecting the appropriate form:
Development Permit - Residential (PDF)
Development Permit - Non-Residential (PDF)
Development Permit - Home Occupation (PDF)
Development Permit - Sign Installation (PDF)

Please download the form and submit completed form by email to brooksdevelopment@brooks.ca or drop off completed application form between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at:
City of Brooks
201 - 1 Avenue West
Brooks, Alberta