Introduction

If you’re planning grading work, drainage changes, a new garage, shop, or home build on an acreage in Parkland County, one of the first questions that comes up is whether you need a grading permit.

For many acreage owners, that’s where confusion starts.

In Parkland County, grading is regulated under the Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw. In many cases, grading approval is required as part of a Development Permit — especially when changing elevations, altering drainage patterns, or affecting neighbouring properties.

The biggest mistake we see isn’t skipping the permit. It’s submitting a plan without properly thinking through how grading will affect long-term drainage, access, and future development.

This blog explains how grading approval works in Parkland County, when you may need it, and why proper acreage planning matters before you apply.

1. How the Parkland County Grading Process Starts

In Parkland County, grading is typically reviewed through the Development Permit process.

You may need grading approval if you are:

• Changing existing drainage patterns

• Raising or lowering yard elevations

• Bringing in or removing significant fill

• Building a garage, shop, or new home

• Modifying driveway elevations or approaches

The county reviews drawings that show how the proposed grading will impact:

• Surface drainage

• Adjacent properties

• Municipal ditches or stormwater systems

• Setbacks and land use rules

This review is often based on a Site Plan and may require a Lot Grading Plan depending on the scope of work.

2. What a Grading Plan Shows

A grading plan is more than just a drawing.

It typically includes:

• Existing elevations

• Proposed finished elevations

• Direction of water flow

• Building locations

• Driveway elevations

• Septic and well locations

• Drainage swales or ditches

This is what Parkland County uses to determine whether your project complies with the Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw.

From a homeowner’s perspective, this plan answers much bigger questions:

Is water going to move away from my building?
Will this cause problems for my neighbour?
Will I need to rework this later if I add another shop?

A grading permit isn’t just about approval — it’s about preventing future problems.

3. Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Rules in Parkland County

Parkland County regulates grading under its Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw.

The goal of this bylaw is to:

• Prevent flooding

• Protect neighbouring properties

• Maintain proper drainage flow

• Avoid erosion and standing water

Altering grade without approval can result in:

• Stop work orders

• Compliance orders

• Fines

• Required restoration work

Many acreage owners assume minor grading changes don’t matter — but even small elevation changes can redirect water onto adjacent properties.

This is why early planning matters.

Proper drainage design is a core part of professional grading and site preparation.

4. Why Grading Permits Get Approved — but Drainage Problems Still Happen

Permit approval means the plan meets minimum requirements.

It does not guarantee the layout is optimal long-term.

We regularly see properties where:

• Water pools near garages

• Driveways hold water in spring

• Shops were placed in low areas

• Future additions become complicated

These problems usually trace back to early grading decisions.

A well-designed site plan considers:

• Natural slope of the land

• Seasonal runoff

• Equipment access

• Future building expansion

Grading should support your long-term acreage vision — not just satisfy permit review.

5. How We Help You Plan Before You Apply

Before submitting grading plans to Parkland County, we help acreage owners:

• Evaluate existing elevations

• Plan finished grade properly

• Design logical drainage paths

• Place buildings efficiently

• Ensure room for future development

• Create clear, accurate site plans

The goal is simple:

Submit a grading plan that works long-term — not just one that gets approved.

What to Do If You’re Planning Grading Work

If you're planning grading work, a new shop, garage pad, driveway change, or new home build in Parkland County, the planning stage is the most important part of the process.

Starting with a clear, well-thought-out plan helps ensure:

• Better long-term use of your land

• Fewer permit revisions

• Fewer surprises during construction

• A property layout that works now and in the future

Many acreage owners start by learning more about acreage planning services before submitting a permit application.

Conclusion

A grading permit in Parkland County isn’t just paperwork — it’s about how water moves across your property and how your acreage functions long-term.

The county reviews grading to protect drainage systems and neighbouring land. But the real value of proper grading planning is preventing costly problems down the road.

If you’re planning grading or development work on your acreage in Parkland County, starting with the right plan is the best investment you can make in your property.