How to Subdivide Your Land in Parkland County: A Step-by-Step Guide

Subdividing your property in Parkland County can unlock exciting opportunities for development and investment. However, the process involves several critical steps, rules, and regulations to ensure proper land use and alignment with County plans. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Pre-Consultation

Before submitting an application, you must conduct a pre-consultation with a County Planner. This step helps identify potential conflicts and ensure your proposal aligns with County policies and land use bylaws.

• How to Book: Contact Parkland County at 780-968-8888 or email subdivision@parklandcounty.com.

• What to Bring:

  • Property’s legal description.

  • A sketch plan showing your proposed subdivision.

• Outcome: The Planner will advise on potential issues, required reports, and necessary next steps. They may recommend hiring an Alberta Land Surveyor or planning/engineering consultants.

Step 2: Understand Zoning and Land Use Districts

Your property’s land use district determines whether it can be subdivided and the number of lots permitted.

• Check the Land Use Bylaw: The bylaw outlines:

  • Intended uses and regulations for each district.

  • Maps of land use districts in Parkland County.

  • Options and limitations for subdividing your property.

• Applicable Bylaws: Ensure your subdivision adheres to the County’s schedules, amendments, and policies.

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Application

Use the PLANit Parkland tool to prepare and manage your subdivision application. The following documents and details are required:

• Tentative Plan: Prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor and drawn to scale, showing:

  • Property dimensions.

  • Existing structures and distances from proposed boundaries.

  • Location of wells, sewage systems, roads, and easements.

  • Active or abandoned oil and gas wells.

• Geotechnical Reports (if required): These may include water table tests, percolation tests for sewage disposal, or slope evaluations.

• Title Search: A current copy of the property title and registered instruments.

• Fees: Pay applicable fees listed on the County’s website.

Pro Tip: PLANit Parkland offers detailed instructions, FAQs, and video tutorials to help you through the application process.

Step 4: Application Review

The County will review your application for completeness within 14 days of submission.

• If Incomplete: Applications are returned with a deficiency list for revisions.

• If Complete: Your application proceeds to the circulation stage.

Step 5: Circulation and Referral Period

Once deemed complete, your application is circulated to internal departments and external agencies for review.

• Duration: 21 days.

• Possible Revisions: Feedback from this stage may require adjustments to your subdivision plan.

Step 6: Subdivision Authority Decision

The Subdivision Authority will evaluate your application and make one of two decisions:

• Conditional Approval: You must meet specific conditions, such as road access, utility services, or payment of off-site levies, before final approval.

• Refusal: If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision within 30 days.

Step 7: Development Agreements and Off-Site Levies

For subdivisions involving infrastructure development, you must complete a Development Agreement with the County. Additionally, off-site levies may be required for funding new or expanded infrastructure.

• Development Agreement Details:

  • Terms related to road construction, utilities, and stormwater management.

  • Payment of levies, securities, and recoveries.

  • Detailed engineering documents and cost estimates.

• Off-Site Levies: Fees for infrastructure such as water, sewage, and roads may apply to subdivisions in specific areas like:

  • Acheson Business Park.

  • Fifth Meridian Business Park.

  • Big Lake Residential Area.

Step 8: Final Approval and Registration

After meeting all conditions of approval:

• The subdivision plan is endorsed.

• The Alberta Land Surveyor registers the plan with Land Titles, completing the process.

Special Considerations: Conceptual Schemes

For multi-parcel subdivisions or developments in specific areas, a Conceptual Scheme may be required. This document details how the proposed subdivision relates to:

• Future development of adjacent lands.

• Roads, servicing, and environmental considerations.

• Compliance with zoning and Area Structure Plans.

Rules and Regulations

Key stipulations for subdividing in Parkland County include:

1. Number of Lots: The number of lots permitted depends on zoning and land use district.

2. Development Agreement: Required for projects involving infrastructure, such as roads and water systems.

3. Environmental Assessments: Certain areas may require geotechnical evaluations or environmental reviews.

4. Fees and Levies: All levies, fees, and securities must be paid before registration.

5. Appeals Process: Decisions by the Subdivision Authority can be appealed to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board or Municipal Government Board.

How Prairie Acre Developments Can Help

Navigating Parkland County’s subdivision process can be complex, but Prairie Acre Developments is here to guide you every step of the way. Our services include:

• Pre-consultation assistance.

• Preparation of tentative plans and supporting documents.

• Coordination with surveyors, planners, and consultants.

• Managing development agreements and off-site levies.

Subdividing your property is a significant undertaking, but with expert guidance, it can be a smooth and rewarding process. Contact Prairie Acre Developments today to bring your subdivision plans to life!

Discover how our expert planning services can simplify your acreage development on our Planning page.

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