Most types of development within the Town require a Development Permit

The Town of High River Land Use Bylaw indicates the type of development allowed in each of the six districts and outlines the rules associated with them.

Before conducting any development in High River, check to see if you need a Development Permit by reviewing the Land Use Bylaw. The Land Use Bylaw outlines when a Development Permit is not required, however, the bylaw must still be complied with. In addition, you can check out our Active Developments map to see developments within Town and their current status.

Our Planning Staff are here to help, please contact us if you have any questions or to book a pre-application meeting.

• Development Permits Handout
• Major Development Permit
• Minor Development Permit
• Subdivision Handout
• Subdivision Application
• Policy Manual

Thinking About Applying for a Development Permit?

Step 1: What is your zoning?

Once you know your zone/district – please review this section of the Land Use Bylaw in order to answer the question in step 2

Step 2: Is your proposed use discretionary or permitted?

Permitted means:

• Allowed in the district in the Land Use Bylaw
• Must conform with the applicable provisions of the Town of High River Land Use Bylaw
• Will be approved with or without conditions

Discretionary means:

• Allowed at the discretion of the Town of High River Development Authority
• May or may not be compatible with neighboring uses
• May be approved with conditions
• May be refused

In some circumstances a Development Permit is not required. Please be sure to review the Development Permit Not Required Section in the District that applies to your site. If you think the “Development Permit Not Required” section may apply to your project, be sure to confirm with the Planning Department.

Step 3: Book Pre-Application Meeting

Pre-Application Meeting Requirements

A pre-application meeting gives a chance for the applicant and Town staff to sit down and discuss the details of the proposed subdivision. It is an opportunity to identify concerns and answer questions early in the process and can save time and cost. The applicant is asked to bring all of the available information that they have to the meeting to give planning staff a clear picture of their proposed subdivision. Planning staff will clearly outline the processes, identify any issues or concerns and provide you with the application forms and fees associated with your proposed subdivision.

Once applicants have compiled the materials identified as required during the pre-application meeting, they must arrange an Application Completeness Meeting with Planning staff in order to ensure their application package is ready for submission.

Contact the Planning Department to book your meeting.

Processing and Timelines

The Municipal Government Act currently mandates a 40 day period to render a decision upon receipt of a complete application. This timeline can be extended if the applicant enters into an agreement with the development authority to extend the 40 day period.

The release of the Development Permit is dependent upon the timeline requirements necessary for the applicant to satisfy any 'prior to release' conditions attached to the decision.