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Planning, Building and Development

The Town of Olds issues Development Permits and Building Permits for most construction projects within the town limits. By obtaining these permits, you be sure that your property complies with the Town’s Land Use Bylaw and the Alberta Building Code. You will be confident knowing that building inspections are conducted by certified Safety Codes Officers.

It is very important that you have Development and Building Permits approved before you begin construction. If you begin construction without proper approval, you will be advised to stop construction immediately until the applications have been submitted and approved by both the Town and the Building Inspector. Please note that any work started without proper approval could result in a stop work order and is also subject to a penalty fee of three times the original amount.

The Planning and Development Department aims to work closely with landowners to help them obtain permits. Should you have any questions you may contact a Development Officer who will answer your questions and will work with you to get you the approvals needed for the type of project you wish to construct.

Building Permits and Development Permits

Construction, Demolition & Renovation Projects

For most construction, demolition, and renovation projects, a Development and Building permit is required before you begin work. The Land Use Bylaw regulates and controls the use and development of land and buildings. Development services include processing development and building permits, certificates of compliance, sidewalk cafe and sale permits, mobile vendor permits, land use bylaw amendments, and providing development information to the public.

Building Permits and Development Permit Applications

Planning & Development Fees - Rates Bylaw 2024-14

Development Authorities

The Town of Olds has two development authorities that review, approve or refuse development permit applications:

1. Development Officer

The Development Officer approves all sign permits, secondary suite permits and other permitted uses that stay within their approved scope. 

2. Council

Council approves all discretionary permits, variances outside the development officers’ scope, and Direct Control District development permit applications, unless otherwise noted in the Land Use Bylaw.

Approvals

Development Permits that have been approved.

The Town of Olds is an accredited municipality within the Building discipline.  

Other permits for electrical, gas, and plumbing may also be required. These permits are not available through the Town of Olds, but qualified companies who service the Olds area can be found through Municipal Affairs Alberta.

New Home Warranty

The New Home Buyer Protection Act (NHBPA) came into force on February 1, 2014, as part of the Government of Alberta’s commitment to improving consumer protection, recourse options, and builder accountability for new homes built in Alberta.  A new home warranty is required for a building permit to be issued.   Builders who have questions or want more details can refer to the Alberta government website or contact Municipal Affairs at 1.866.421.6929.

National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings

The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) was developed by the National Research Council and Natural Resources Canada, as part of a broader commitment to improving the energy efficiency of Canadian buildings and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The NECB applies to many parts of a building, including building envelope, electrical, and mechanical systems.

The NECB became mandatory in Alberta on November 1, 2016.

 [JC1]Fees are out of date.

What is an Off-Site Levy?

Off-site levies are a tool municipalities use to help fund new infrastructure or expand existing services needed as a result of development. Off-site levies must be authorized by bylaw. Under the current Municipal Government Act, municipalities may collect off-site levies to support: 

  • New or expanded systems for the storage, transmission, treatment, or supply of water
  • New or expanded systems for the treatment, movement, or disposal of sanitary sewage
  • New or expanded stormwater drainage facilities
  • New or expanded roads required by, or affected by, a subdivision or development
  • Land required to support any of the above infrastructure.

 

Off-Site Levy Bylaw 2023-36

Rates Bylaw 2024-14

Contact Us

Town of Olds
3501 70 Avenue
Olds, Alberta, Canada
T4H 1L7


Phone: 403-556-6981
Email: admin@olds.ca

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