A guide to local government processes for business and development.
Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................3 MAP – VULCAN COUNTY AREA ........................................................................................4 KEY COMMUNITY STRENGTHS ........................................................................................5 STANDARD BUSINESS START-UP LIST ...........................................................................6 VULCAN COUNTY, TOWN OF VULCAN AND INCORPORATED VILLAGES – GUIDING DOCUMENTS...........................................7 DEVELOPMENT PROCESS ...................................................................................................12 6.1 Development Permit Decision Process...........................................................................13 6.2 Amendments to the Municipal Development Plan....................................................14 6.3 Land use Redesignation Application Requirements .................................................16 6.4 Subdivision Approval Process .........................................................................................17 6.5 Signage Regulations ...........................................................................................................19 6.6 Safety Code Permit ............................................................................................................20 BUSINESS COSTS .....................................................................................................................21 VULCAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY AND OTHER ONE-STOP INFORMATION SOURCES........................................................22
1.
Introduction
Whether you're starting a new business, expanding an existing one, or planning for land development, understanding local government requirements can be challenging, but the Vulcan Business Development Society can help! This guide is intended to help you understand the steps involved for business development in Vulcan County, the Town of Vulcan or the Villages of Arrowwood, Carmangay, Champion, Lomond and Milo. It will assist you to better plan for and anticipate community requirements, providing for a more seamless and efficient process on your way to success.
Understanding Local Government
Local governments in our area include the Vulcan County rural area, Town of Vulcan, Village of Arrowwood, Village of Carmangay, Village of Champion, Village of Lomond and Village of Milo. With the exception of Vulcan County which is governed by an elected Reeve and Council, all of these local governments are incorporated municipalities and governed by an elected Mayor and Council. The Villages and Town are nestled in Vulcan County, but are separate municipalities. Within each municipality, the Council and administration exercise a range of controls to ensure compliance with the
Municipal Government Act, municipal development plan (if applicable) and Land Use Bylaw. Vulcan County governs the surrounding rural area, delivering services in varying areas with common needs. Municipalities in the area collaborate in providing regional services such as fire and waste services. Police services are provided by the RCMP while ambulance services are provided by Alberta Health Services. Overall, services undertaken by Vulcan County, Town of Vulcan and the incorporated villages are paid for in part by taxation, based on property assessment.
All business owners moving into the Vulcan County area should notify Vulcan Business Development Society and a representative can assist you. All businesses moving to or setting up in the Vulcan County area should notify the Vulcan and District Chamber of Commerce for inclusion into the local business database and community business listings, which are published on the web and in hard copy. Business Development Guide For the Vulcan County Area P.3
Distance from Vulcan to:
Source: Vulcan Business Development Society
Lethbridge Calgary High River Okotoks Strathmore Bow City US Border
Miles Kms 62 100 75 120 41 65 54 87 51 82 54 87 123 198
2. Business Development Guide For the Vulcan County Area P.4
3.
Key Community Strengths
It is essential to build off and capitalize on the unique elements and strengths of a local community in a way that will lead to business growth and a critical mass of business and investment activity in the future. The following strengths are some of the key elements for which the Vulcan County area can support a strong local economy. Star Trek. Gene Roddenberry’s world comes alive in Vulcan with over 35,000 visitors each year the Star Trek Capital of Canada. Rich Soils. Vulcan is blessed with rich soils, plenty of sunshine and an extensive irrigation system. Water. Vulcan’s prairie is blessed with lakes teeming with summertime activities.
Technology. Vulcan strives to be the most technological small town in Canada. Residents are talented and innovative. Strategic partnerships provide ICT pilot projects and local post-secondary training in ICT programs. Energy. Vulcan is blessed with high levels of bright sunshine, excellent wind regimes and an extensive agricultural industry providing input for solar, wind and bio-fuel production.
Transportation. Only 120km from Calgary and 100km from Lethbridge, Alberta’s high load corridor extends through Vulcan as does CP rail line with several rail sidings in the area. Affordable. Vulcan offers attractive commercial and residential real estate costs providing an affordable alternative for the location of your business.
Recreation. Swimming pools, hockey arenas, golf courses, world-class fishing and more, you’ll always find something to do in Vulcan. Business Development Guide For the Vulcan County Area P.5
4.
Standard Business Start-Up List
If you are an entrepreneur looking to start your own business you should contact the Vulcan Business Development Society and Community Futures Highwood for start-up advice. Community Futures Highwood, in particular, provides advice in business start-up and assistance with financing. The following is a basic business start-up list of the items you might have to consider for your business:
= Complete your market research. = Develop a business plan. = Obtain financial commitments before proceeding with start-up expenditures. Contact Community Futures Highwood for small business start-up advice, business plan review and arranging financing (if necessary). = If you intend to operate as a sole proprietor, partnership or other entity, register your business with the Corporate Registry (http://www.servicealberta.ca/Corporate_Registries.cfm). This Corporate Registry will walk you through registering your business with the Canada Revenue Agency and other obligations you may have with the Province of Alberta. = Contact your local municpality for appropriate permits, inspections and licences. The remainder of this document outlines applicable municipal government processes in the area municipalities. The incorporated municipalities with websites include the following: Vulcan County - www.vulcancounty.ab.ca Town of Vulcan – www.townofvulcan.ca Village of Arrowwood – www.villageofarrowwood.ca Village of Milo - www.villageofmilo.ca = Obtain appropriate insurance and leases. = Understand the applicable labour regulations (www.employment.alberta.ca/sfw/1224.html). = Ensure all health regulations relating to your business have been investigated. = Ensure all environmental issues affecting your business have been investigated.
The Vulcan Business Development Society provides a useful tool, called BizPal, to streamline the business permitting and licensing process. This tool can generate a list of every necessary permit and licence that your business requires. Check out this tool at: www.vulcanbusiness.ca/business/licences-and-permits-bizpal/. In addition, the Business Link is a service provided by the Government of Alberta assisting new and small business navigating the regulatory environment and providing start-up assistance. Business Development Guide For the Vulcan County Area P.6
5.
Vulcan County, Town of Vulcan & Incorporated Villages
Guiding Documents
If you are planning to develop a site within Vulcan County, Town of Vulcan or the Villages of Arrowwood, Carmangay, Champion, Lomond and Milo, you should first discuss your proposal with the appropriate staff member before you invest a lot of time and money in your project. Where applicable, some of the key development documents that you will need to consult include: = = = = = = =
Vulcan County Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw Town of Vulcan Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw Village of Arrowwood Land Use Bylaw Village of Carmangay Land Use Bylaw Village of Champion Land Use Bylaw Village of Lomond Land Use Bylaw Village of Milo Land Use Bylaw
VULCAN COUNTY = Municipal Development Plan = Land Use Bylaw = Hamlet of Brant Area Structure Plan = Hamlet of Mossleigh Area Structure Plan = Little Bow River Project IMDP = McGregor, Travers, Little Bow Reservoirs Area Structure Plan
TOWN OF VULCAN = Municipal Development Plan = Land Use Bylaw = Prairie Vista Estates Area Structure Plan
INCORPORATED VILLAGES = Village of Arrowwood Land Use Bylaw = Village of Carmangay Land Use Bylaw = Village of Champion Land Use Bylaw = Village of Lomond Land Use Bylaw = Village of Milo Land Use Bylaw
Business Development Guide For the Vulcan County Area P.7
Municipal Development Plans
The Municipal Development Plan is a longrange statutory planning document providing the municipality’s elected officials, administration, ratepayers and developers with a framework of policies for making decisions regarding future growth and development opportunities. The policies of a municipal development plan shape the growth and development of a municipality. Vulcan County and the Town of Vulcan are the only two municipalities that have for-
mally adopted municipal development plans. Vulcan County and Town of Vulcan Councils and administrations will evaluate development proposals to ensure that they are consistent with the mission and objectives of the plan. The MDPs also establish the basis for more specific bylaws such as land use structural plans and confined feeding operation exclusion areas (e.g. Vulcan County) and minimum setbacks for sour gas facilities.
Vulcan County Municipal Development Plan
The Vulcan County Municipal Development Plan (2012) states a series of objectives that will guide development. The objectives that concern commercial and industrial development include: = To encourage development opportunities within Vulcan County to expand the County’s assessment base while limiting conflicts with existing land uses. = To delineate basic standards that must be met when making applications for redesignations, developments or subdivisions.1 = To encourage a consistent decision-making process by Vulcan County’s various approval authorities when dealing with redesignations, developments or subdivisions. The plan further states that many commercial activities can co-exist with industry in designated districts. These districts in the County are fundamental to the regional economy and it is important that the long-term viability of these activities is protected from incompatible land uses. The majority of commercial and industrial land parcels are located in the County’s hamlets. The policies for commercial and industrial land use are stated in Section 5.6 of the Municipal Development Plan. 1
Vulcan County Municipal Development Plan Bylaw No. 2012-003, p.2.
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Municipal Development Plans Continued from P.8
It states the following: The following factors shall be considered when locating industrial and commercial development in the County: a) The compatibility of the proposed development with existing uses in the surrounding area; b) The presence of natural landscape features that may impact or be affected by the proposed development; c) The impact on agricultural operations in the area; and d) The impact on local roads and the provincial highway network.2 There are three land use designations in Vulcan County that can accommodate commercial and industrial activity. The designations and purposes are: = Hamlet Commercial – to provide for a high quality of commercial development pursuant to the municipal development plan recognition that hamlets act as an important service centre for the agricultural community.3 = Rural Industrial – to allow industrial uses to be located in rural areas provided they do not pose a threat to the environment or create a potential nuisance for residents.4 = Rural Commercial - to provide for the location of commercial uses in rural areas which will not compromise either the use of agricultural lands for agriculture.
Town of Vulcan Municipal Development Plan
The Town of Vulcan’s Municipal Development Plan (2000) is a long-range statutory planning document that provides a framework of policies for making decisions regarding future growth and development opportunities. Some to the goals that are identified in this plan include: = To continue the town’s role as the commercial and social centre of the region = To encourage sustained economic growth and diversification = To manage growth with a minimum of conflict = To provide directions for future growth = To promote cooperation and coordination between the Town and the County regarding future development policies.5
MUNICIPAL T DEVELOPMEN PLAN (2000)
2 Ibid. p.17. Vulcan County Land Use Bylaw No.2010-010, p.77 4 Ibid. p.81. 5 Town of Vulcan Municipal Development Plan Bylaw No.00-1259, p.2. 3
Business Development Guide For the Vulcan County Area P.9
Municipal Development Plans Continued from P.9
Commercial lands are divided into four different land use districts. These designations and purpose are as follows: = Retail Commercial – to provide an area suited to intensive commercial uses, including the redevelopment of existing uses, which are convenient and attractive to pedestrians, while offering ready vehicular access and adequate parking.6 = General Commercial – to provide an area which allows for the development of heavy commercial and similar uses which are not suitable in the retail commercial district.7 = Highway Commercial – to ensure the sites adjacent to the highway are reserved for appropriate com mercial uses.8 = Special Commercial – to ensure the sites on Centre Street adjacent to the highway are reserved for appropriate commercial.9 = Industrial – to encourage the orderly development of this district in a manner compatible with other land uses.10 = Direct Control – to allow for the establishment of industrial uses that may not be appropriate in the Industrial (I1) designated areas within the town.11 = Airport – to ensure for a variety of development to occur within this district in a manner consistent with federal legislation relating to airports and air traffic, and that is compatible with existing and surrounding uses.12
Refer to the land use bylaw for permitted and discretionary uses for these commercial, industrial and airport designations. Town of Vulcan Land Use Bylaw No.1333-05, p.21. Ibid. p. 23. 8 Ibid. p.25. 9 Ibid. p.27. 10 Ibid. p.31. 11 Ibid. p.33. 12 Ibid. p.41. 6 7
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Land Use Bylaws
The Land Use Bylaws are major tools which each local government uses to regulate land use and size and siting of buildings. Each municipality has its own land use bylaw and describes permitted uses, discretionary uses, densities, siting and building form. Land use details provide for the orderly development of the community and to avoid conflicts between incompatible land uses. Land use bylaws can be amended;
either to implement future land uses in keeping with the direction provided in the municipal development plan (for the Town of Vulcan and Vulcan County) or in response to a particular situation not contemplated when the bylaw was written. Please contact the respective municipality directly or visit the Oldman River Regional Services Commission website (www.orrsc.com) for a copy of the respective Land Use Bylaw.
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6.
Development Process
Local governments in the Vulcan County area facilitate development while protecting property rights, community standards and the environment as presented by municipal policy. The Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) assists these local governments by managing land use,
subdivision and development. Bylaws and statutory long-range planning documents are prepared for the local governments in accordance with the Municipal Government Act. ORRSC provides these planning services to the Vulcan County area municipalities and other member municipalities in southwestern Alberta.
The principal functions of land use planning are:
= To prepare land use plans and policies to promote the allocation of resources in support of planned and orderly development; = To serve the community by responding to a wide range of inquiries and applications related to the use and development of land; = To administer land use bylaws, standards and policies; = To provide the opportunity for meaningful public consultation with respect to policy and the law; and = To advise elected officials on planning and development matters.
Plans to build or modify a structure, or change the way land is being used may require a development permit prior to starting a new development. The MGA provides municipalities with a considerable level of influence over their individual planning policies and decisions, however, the Subdivision and Development Regulation within the MGA (Section 678) provides clear guidance regarding the process as to how those decisions are to be made. Land use bylaws divide the municipality into land use zones and establish regulations outlining how each parcel of land may be used and developed. It is the land use bylaw that determines if a development permit is required. The land use bylaw will establish provisions for development that do not require a permit. For zoning designations, the land use bylaw classifies the use as either a permitted use or discretionary use. In the case of permitted use, the designated development officer for the municipality is empowered to approve
development permit applications. In the case of discretionary use, the development officer will submit a staff report for the application. The permit application and staff report are reviewed by the Municipal Planning Commission. The applicant may appear before the Commission to answer questions and speak to the application. Discretionary uses may be rejected at the discretion of the Commission, and the Commission must state reasons for the refusal. However, in making their decision, the Commission will consider the overall vision for the area and municipality as set out in an area structure plan or the municipal development plan. Applications that assist the municipality in achieving the overall vision for the municipality should be approved. Appeals for decisions made by the Commission can be made to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. This Board is established at the municipal level. The MGA sets out the limited circumstances in which appeals are made to the Province.
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6.1
Development Permit Decision Process
Prospective developers must complete a development permit application form. For developments within the Town of Vulcan or Vulcan County, applications need to be submitted to the Development Officer. For
applications in the incorporated villages, applications need to be submitted to the ORRSC planner. The following flow chart highlights the decision making process for a development permit.
Graphic Source: Extracted from http://www.vulcancounty.ab.ca/Development/PermitProcess.html October, 2012 Business Development Guide For the Vulcan County Area P.13
Amendments to the Municipal Development Plan or Land Use Bylaw 6.2
The municipal development plan is the planning framework that is used to guide decision making. The land use bylaw generally deals with issues concerning land use and density. An application for a change to the municipal development plan or zoning bylaw will require consideration by the municipal council, as the application may represent a change in policy or direction. To amend
the municipal development plan or zoning bylaw, it is recommended that prospective developers meet to discuss their proposal before they make an application to the Development Officer (for Vulcan County and the Town of Vulcan) or the appropriate planner at the ORRSC assigned to one of the Vulcan County area's incorporated villages. There are often issues that can be dealt with prior to submitting a proposal.
1. All applications for amendment shall be submitted using the applicable form and be accompanied by any additional information, as deemed necessary by the Development Officer (Vulcan County or Town of Vulcan) / ORRSC Planner (incorporated Villages) to process the application. 2. The Development Officer may refuse to accept an application if, in his/her opinion, the information supplied is not sufficient to make a proper evaluation of the proposed amendment. 3. For Vulcan County and Town of Vulcan, the Development Officer may refer the application to the Municipal Planning Commission for their recommendation.
4. The application shall be processed in compliance with the requirements of the Municipal Government Act, including the processes for notice of public hearings and the conduct of meetings.
Discuss your application before the application formally enters the approval process to allow staff to identify any issues associated with the proposal. A change to the municipal development plan or zoning bylaw is accomplished by an amendment. The process is as follows:
Business Development Guide For the Vulcan County Area P.14
Amendments to the Municipal Development Plan or Land Use Bylaw 6.2
Continued from Pg. 14
5. The Development Officer/ ORRSC Planner shall draft a bylaw and forward the application to Council for a decision if he/she is satisfied sufficient information has been provided with the application. The application may be given first reading. 6. There is a public hearing for the amendment. This will include advertising the proposed amendment in the newspaper, notifying surrounding property owners and tenants and allowing others affected by the amendments to express their views. 7. Second and third reading of the amendment may be given following the public hearing.
8. If an adjacent municipality wants to appeal the Council decision, this municipality will need to appeal the decision to the Municipal Government Board (MGB). An MGB hearing will occur between the two municipalities to resolve this conflict. The MGB will make a decision to uphold, repeal or change the bylaw. 9. Final adoption of the amending bylaw by the Council or MGB, if applicable. 10. Where an application for an amendment to this bylaw has been refused by Council, another application that is the same or similar in nature shall not be accepted until at least six months after the date of refusal.
Graphic Source: Vulcan County, Planning Process Chart, www.vulcancounty.ab.ca/images/planningprocesscharts.pdf
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Land Use Re-designation Application Requirements
6.3
For developers who want to re-designate land use for their subject property, the process is outlined in detail under items 92 and 93 of the Vulcan County Land Use Bylaw and Schedule 12 of the Town of Vulcan Land Use Bylaw. The process is as follows: 1. Provide a completed application form and fee. 2. Prepare a narrative describing the: 2.1. proposed designation and future use(s) 2.2. consistency with applicable statutory plans; 2.3. compatibility of the proposal with surrounding uses and zoning; 2.4. development potential/suitability of the site, including identification of any constraints and/or hazard areas (e.g. easements, soil conditions, topography, drainage, etc.); 2.5. availability of facilities and services (sewage disposal, domestic water, gas, electricity, fire and police protection, schools, etc.) to serve the subject property; and 2.6. any potential impacts on public roads; 3. Conceptual subdivision design, if applicable; 4. A geotechnical report prepared by an engineer demonstrating soil stability/ suitability if deemed necessary by the Development Officer (for Vulcan County and Town of Vulcan) or ORRSC Planner (for incorporated villages); 5. An evaluation of surface drainage which may include adjacent properties if deemed necessary by the Development Officer or ORRSC Planner; and 6. Any other information deemed necessary by the Development Officer or ORRSC Planner to properly evaluate the application. An area structure plan or conceptual design scheme may be required by the Development Officer or ORRSC Planner in conjunction with a redesignation application when: 1. multiple parcels of land are involved; 2. multiple landowners are involved; 3. more than four lots could be created; 4. several pieces of fragmented land are adjacent to the proposal; 5. internal public roads would be required; 6. municipal services would need to be constructed; or 7. required by Council or the Municipal Planning Commission.
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6.4
Subdivision Approval Process
Subdividing land, either creating one lot or creating a number of lots, is complex and a different process than amendments to the municipal development plan or zoning bylaw. The subdivision approval process is the responsibility of the Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC).
Prior to making a subdivision application, a developer should discuss the application with both the local municipality and ORRSC planning staff. Often there are issues that have to be dealt with for one or both organizations before subdivision approval can be granted.
Once the application is discussed with ORRSC, the steps are as follows:
1. Prepare a package to circulate that includes: = Formal application = Subdivision of land display diagrams = Newspaper ad or list of adjacent landowners = Planners initial comments to be provided to the municipality during the application circulation 2. Circulate application to the following: = A notice to adjacent landowners (14 days if notice in a newspaper or 19 days if notice by mail) = A notice to the municipality with planner comments = A notice to agencies and government departments required to be notified under the Subdivision and Development Regulation (minimum of 19 days to respond) = A notice to school boards affected (14 days to respond) = Correspondence to the applicant/landowner indicating acceptable of application and the persons notified 3. Review comments and prepare recommendations for the municipality: = Review and evaluate any planning issues that have surfaced as part of the circulation = Prepare recommendations to the municipality’s subdivision authority = Subdivision Authority makes a decision
The subdivision authority will consider the responses to the circulation and recommendations. A meeting with concerned persons may occur if requested during the process. The subdivision authority for the appropriate municipality will make the decision. This decision may be to approve, not approve or approve with conditions. A decision is required within 60 days of the receipt of the application, unless the applicant agrees to the extension of that time period. A decision is sent to the applicant and the persons notified prior to the decision being made, except for the adjacent landowners. Business Development Guide For the Vulcan County Area P.17
6.4
Subdivision Approval Process Continued from Pg. 17
A subdivision authority may place a number of conditions on a subdivision approval. These conditions include: = Payment of outstanding property taxes. = Entering into a development agreement with the municipality which includes the installation or paying for the installation of services. = Paying or providing municipal reserves which is either land or money in lieu of land for park or school purposes. = A surveyor’s sketch, if structures exist. = Provision of any easements that may have been required by utility companies or the municipality for access.
Within 19 days of the date on the letter giving notice of the decision, an appeal may be filed by the applicant, municipality, government department or school board. Adjacent landowners cannot file an appeal. An appeal must be in writing and contain reasons for the appeal. An appeal hearing must be held within 30 days of receiving the appeal notice. At the hearing, all parties have an opportunity to provide input and may be questioned. The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board has 15 days to issue a decision. A further appeal is available to the courts on a point of law or jurisdiction. The notice of decision contains the necessary requirements to finalize the subdivision approval. These requirements include: = Contacting a surveyor to prepare the documentation required for the Land Titles Office. = Completing and providing proof of completion that all conditions have been met. = Paying outstanding charges such as municipal reserve, taxes and final fees. When all the conditions are met and the appeal period has elapsed, ORRSC is able to endorse the subdivision plan. This document is filed with the Land Titles Office.
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Graphic Source: Vulcan County, Planning Process Chart, http://www.vulcancounty.ab.ca/images/PlanningProcesCharts.pdf, 2012.
6.5
Signage Regulations
Signage regulations are outlined in Schedule 7 for the Town of Vulcan and incorporated Village land use bylaws. Permits are required before a sign is enlarged, relocated, constructed or altered.
Business Development Guide For the Vulcan County Area P.19
6.6
Safety Code Permit
Safety code permits allow for the construction of buildings or structures to proceed on condition of compliance with the Alberta Building Code which addresses building and fire safety. A building permit is required for the construction, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or change of use of a building. Farm accessory buildings, and non-hazardous accessory buildings under 100 square feet (10m2),
are exempt. Building permits can be obtained through an accredited Alberta permit licensing agent. Superior Safety Codes Inc. handles the safety code permit process for Vulcan County for building, electrical, gas, plumbing and private sewage permits. These permits ensure that building construction provides for the basic health and safety of homeowners and business owners.
Building Inspections are conducted at the following stages: = Foundation: prior to backfill, footings and wall poured, forms removed, weeping tile, washed rock and damp proofing applied. = Framing / HVAC prior to drywall: foundation backfilled, walls framed, floors and roof completed, mechanical and electrical rough-ins completed, heating ducts installed, exterior doors and windows installed, outside plywood and exterior wrap completed, insulation and vapour barrier started or completed, manufacturer’s floor and truss layout and specifications are on site. = Final inspection: prior to occupancy, drywall and paint completed, interior finishing completed, handrails in place, exterior penetrations sealed, plumbing and electrical completed (including fixtures), heating/ventilation system installed and ductwork completed, smoke alarms installed, all safety items completed, all items from previous inspection reports or plans examination completed. Inspections are also conducted for the other construction disciplines, such as: = Electrical Discipline – Rough-in prior to drywall or final prior to occupancy. = Plumbing Discipline – Rough in below grade – prior to covering or rough in above grade – prior to covering or final prior to occupancy. = Gas Discipline – Final prior to occupancy = Private Sewage Discipline – Rough-in prior to backfilling of dirt
Consult with your local municipality regarding a list of fees related to safety code permits.
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7.
Business Costs
There are planning and development process fees for the local municipalities. Depending on the location of the development, the developer should contact the development officer or Oldman River Regional Services Commission planner to obtain a planning and development fee schedule. The value of the fees varies by planning issue, but you can anticipate fees for the following issues: = Development permits for residential: permitted use, discretionary uses, nonresidential ($1 - $1,000,000) and non-residential ($1,000,000 and up) = Development permits for those who commence development approval prior to obtaining permits: residential: permitted uses, discretionary uses, non-residential = Statutory plan amendments (zoning, text amendments and others) = Subdivision and development appeals
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8.
Sources
The Vulcan Business Development Society (VBDS) proudly promotes economic development within Vulcan County and in Southern Alberta. Formed in 2005, VBDS serves several member communities including the Town of Vulcan, Vulcan County and the Villages of Arrowwood, Carmangay, Champion, Lomond and Milo.
VBDS’ contact information along with other local related organizations is as follows: Vulcan Business Development Society 110 - 1 Ave. S. Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0 (403) 485-4100
Vulcan County Box 180, 102 Centre St. Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0 (403) 485-2241 TF 1-877-485-2299
Town of Vulcan Box 360, 321 - 2 St. S. Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0 (403) 485-2417
Village of Arrowwood Box 36, 22 Centre St. Arrowwood, AB T0L 0B0 (403) 534-3821
Village of Carmangay Box 130 Carmangay, AB T0L 0N0 (403) 643-3595
Village of Champion Box 367 Champion, AB T0L 0R0 (403) 897-3833
Village of Lomond Box 268 Lomond, AB T0L 1G0 (403) 792-3611
Village of Milo Box 65 Milo, AB T0L 1L0 (403) 599-3883
Oldman River Regional Services Commission 3105 - 16 Ave. N. Lethbridge, AB T1H 5E8 (403) 329-1344 TF 1-877-329-1387
SouthGrow Regional Initiative P.O. Box 27068 Lethbridge, AB T1K 6Z8 (403) 394-0615
Community Futures Highwood 14 McRae St., Box 1599 Okotoks, AB T1S 1B5 (403) 995-4151
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