Building Permits and Development Permits

1. Electrical, gas, and plumbing work need separate permits not issued by the Town. Learn more about Safety Codes here.
2. Fill and submit the application forms (listed below) with all required plans to the Planning Department.
3. If you will be digging, request utility locates. Locates must be available on site while work is being done. Please obtain line locates before digging:
• Click Before You Dig: 1-800-242-3447 or utilitysafety.ca 

4. Commercial projects require a fire safety plan. This is not required for residential projects.
5. An invoice for permit fees and security deposits will be e-mailed to you. All fees must be paid before the permit is issued.
6. Depending on your project, it will be reviewed either by Town staff or by Council.
7. If Council approval is required, a 21-day appeal period applies after the decision.
8. Once approved, you will receive your permits and a Plan Review outlining any conditions or required inspections.
9. Inspections are completed by the Town's certified Safety Codes Officer.
10. After final approval, any security deposits will be returned to you.

Accessory Building Application Package (PDF)

Accessory Buildings:

• require a permit if larger than 10m² (107.6ft²);
• cannot be located in the front yard;
• must be a minimum of 1.0m (3.28ft) away from the side and rear property lines; and
• must not be taller than 4.5 m (14.76ft).

If you are building a garage, it can be located:

• between 1.0m and 2.0m (3.28ft to 6.56ft); OR
• 6.0m (19.7ft) or more from the rear property line.

Garages may also require a hard surfaced driveway and are subject to size limitations depending on the zoning and size of your property. For example:

• 70m2 (754ft²) in R1 and R2
• 143m2 (1539ft²) in R5

• Mobile Home Addition Permit Package (PDF)- for adding an addition to a mobile home.
• Additions Permit Package (PDF) - for an addition to any other type of building.

Note - Renovations that do not change the structure or use of your building do not require permits, such as installing new flooring, painting the walls, etc.

The existing building with an addition can take up a maximum of 55% of your parcel. (If your lot is zoned R2 and doesn't access a lane, 65% can be used.)

The Town also requires certain amounts of space between your front, rear and side property lines, depending on the zoning of the lot. Please consult with the Land Use Bylaw for specifics.

Change of Use (PDF)

Commercial, Industrial & Institutional (PDF) Development Permit Application (including Fire Safety Plan)

You do not require a permit to build a deck that is:

• Shorter than 0.61m (2ft); and
• Not covered or enclosed.

If your deck will be more extensive, please download the Deck Permit Application Package (PDF).

If your deck will include a gazebo or pergola, please also fill out the materials for Accessory Buildings (above).

Decks still require permits even if they are not attached to a building.

Please download the Demolition Application Package (PDF).

If you want to rebuild, please fill out a separate set of building and development forms (above) for the new building.

Please fill out a Driveway / Parking Pad / Curb Cut Application (PDF).

If the driveway accesses an unpaved alley, it can be unpaved as well. If it accesses a paved road, it must also be hard surfaced within 1 year of permit approval. There is a $1000 refundable security deposit in this case to ensure the driveway is paved.

Driveways must also be at least 6m (20 ft) away from any property boundary that is next to a street intersection.

The maximum allowed width of new driveways depends on the size of your lot:

If you are planning a curb cut, Infrastructure staff will inspect the site within 5 days of receiving the application. If approved, the applicant is responsible for hiring one of the Town’s preferred contractors to complete the work.

A fence does not require a Development Permit if it is:

• Less than 1.0m (3.28ft) tall in the front yard; or
• Less than 2.0m (6.56ft) tall in the side or rear yard.

If you plan on building a fence that goes beyond these specifications, please download and fill out:

• Fence Application Package (PDF)

If your fence will be near an intersection of a road or railway, it needs to maintain a "sight triangle" (pictured below). The fence can't be higher than 0.5 m (1.64 ft) above the road or rails so that vehicle operators can see approaching traffic.

Please fill out the Wood Burning Unit Package (PDF).

Manufactured home placement requires a General Development Permit Application (PDF)

The Mobile Home Addition Permit Package (PDF) is for adding an addition to a mobile home.

Manufactured homes are allowed in most residential zones in the Town of Olds. They should have:

• a minimum roof pitch of 4:12
• a roof surface of wood or asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tiles, slate or wood shakes
• a minimum roof overhang or eaves of 0.45m (1.48ft) from each external wall
• a maximum length to width ratio of 3:1
• a minimum width of 6.7m (22ft)
• a permanent foundation.

They should also be compatible with the appearance of the other buildings in the area.

Please download the Multi Unit Dwelling Package (PDF).

This section applies to buildings with 3 or more separate dwelling units. These are only permitted in the medium density residential (R3), central commercial (C1), and mixed use 1 (DC-MU1) districts. To find the zoning of your property please see the GIS Land Use Zoning Map.

The Town requires:

• A "loading space" in the side or rear yard - to make it easy for a vehicle to enter and turn around
• 1.75 parking spaces per dwelling for apartments; 2 per dwelling for multiplexes;
• A minimum of 30% of the parcel landscaped, to separate parking facilities from residence windows.
• Enough space for waste removal bins appropriate for the number of units.

Apartment buildings can take up to 75% of the total parcel space, while other multi-residential buildings can take up to 55%.

Please fill out a Detached Dwelling and Duplex Application (PDF).

The Town will work closely with you to help understand the regulations in place when building a new home. You will be asked to provide:

• Certificate of Title
• Site Plan
• Elevation Drawings
• Floor Plans
• New Home Warranty – View more information on the New Home Warranty.
• Written confirmation from an Alberta Land Surveyor of the building location relative to the property lines.

The East Olds area has specific design standards in place to preserve its character. Please see Schedule E of the Land Use Bylaw if you are planning a new home in this area.

Building relocation requires a Development Permit (PDF) application.

If you are planning a secondary suite, please provide us with:

• Secondary Suite Application Package (PDF)
• A current copy of your Certificate of Title
• Site Plan or an existing Real Property Report

Any parcel of land that has a detached dwelling space can have one secondary suite, unless it already has a bed and breakfast, day care, or Class 2 home occupation. The secondary suite must be separate from the main dwelling, with no shared airflow. (Separate furnace, etc.) An extra off-street parking space must be provided.

The suite can have a maximum of:

• 80 m² (864 ft²) in floor area;
• 40% of total floor area of the detached dwelling (including the basement and main floors);
• 2 bedrooms, each with a maximum of 15m² (161ft²).

Secondary suites can be installed above a garage, as long as the suite itself is not taller than either the main dwelling, or 7.5m (25 ft).

If the suite has its own separate building, the exterior walls need to be at least:

• 1.5m (5ft) from the side property boundaries;
• 1.5m (5ft) from the rear boundary if there's a window or door facing an alleyway;
• 3m (10ft) from the rear boundary if a window or door does not face an alleyway;
• 2.5m (8ft) from the main and any accessory buildings.

Sign Permit Application (PDF)

Mural Permit Application (PDF)

Solar Installation Application Form (PDF)

Temporary Road Closure Permit Application (PDF)

Before You Apply:

• The intention of the program is to support urban hen keeping within the Town of Olds as a hobby and non-commercial activity. You cannot sell eggs, or any products produced by your hen(s), as they are for personal use only.
• It is in your best interest to not invest in urban hens, equipment, etc. until you obtain your permit.
• An application does not guarantee you will obtain a permit.
• The Town of Olds does have the discretion and authority to deny a request for a permit due to documentation or medical concerns from neighboring properties and/or any other concerns.
• Existing urban hen holders have until January 1, 2023, to become compliant with the current bylaws. 

Application Requirements

Applicants must go through the Town of Olds pre-application process prior to building their coops and/or runs. The Town of Olds is accepting a maximum of 40 applicants.

To apply, complete the Urban Hen Permit Application (PDF) or online.
What you should do prior to submitting your application:

1.  Make sure to review the Town of Olds Bylaws

Land Use Bylaw

Community Standards Bylaw

2.  Complete an Urban Hen Keeping Course
3.  Registered with Alberta’s Premises Identification Program (PID)

Obtaining a Development Permit:

1.  Site Plan – Showing dimensions of the rear/side yard of the proposed property location and the dimensions of the hen coop and run.
2.  Certification or proof of an urban hen keeping course.
3.  Provincial Premise Identification (PID) number from the Province of Alberta.
4.  The number of urban hens (maximum of six (6).
5.  Owner authorization if the property is not owned by applicant.

Submission Process

Applications must be submitted before the end of the month prior to Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) meeting. (MPC meets every 3rd Thursday of each month). Once the application is received, a letter will be circulated to neighboring properties of the proposed application. 
Once the application has been approved by MPC you will need to license your hens. Applicants will be required to show their approved development permit.

Licensing

To license your hens, applicants need to bring proof of Premises Identification Number and Hen Course completion to the Town of Olds Administration Building or submit them online via the Urban Hen Licence Application Form.

1. Fill out the application forms (linked above) and submit all plans to the Planning Department.
2. If you will be digging, request utility locates. Locates must be available on site during work.
3. If the project is commercial, complete a fire safety plan. This is not required for residential projects.
4. An invoice will be sent by e-mailed for permit fees and security deposits. All fees must be paid before the permit is issued.
5. There is a 21-day appeal period following a decision for Development Permits.
6. If your permits have been approved, you will receive them along with a Plan Review. This outlines what has been approved and explains when inspections are required.
7. Inspections will be performed by a certified Safety Codes Officer.
8. After work is completed to Town standards, any security deposits will be refunded.

Yes - if you plan to demolish something larger than 144ft².

Even for demolition projects, the Town requires:

• a Building Permit (to ensure Alberta Building Code standards are followed); and 
• a Demolition Permit.

You will be asked to contact your utility providers to disconnect all services before a permit can be issued and to have a plan for disposing of materials.

If you plan to rebuild, you must submit a new set of development and building permit applications.

Please download the Demolition Application Package.

In some cases, a Development Officer or the Town Council may be able to approve a relaxation or variance.

How do I find the zoning of my property?