Development permits & applications

A development permit is written approval from the Town of Cochrane confirming plans for new construction or changes comply with the land use bylaw and fit well within the community.

Explore:

current development permit applications with the development permit map
recently approved permits under Public notices in the Permitted and Discretionary Uses section.

When do I need a development permit?

Most types of development in Cochrane require a permit.

Under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, "development" includes:

excavating or stockpiling of material
constructing new buildings
adding to, replacing or repairing existing buildings
changing how land or a building is used
increasing the intensely of land or building use

Common projects that require a development permit

accessory suites such secondary suites or backyard suites
Home occupations, Class 2
Signs on buildings located on private land
Multi-unit dwellings
Bed and breakfasts

Some projects are exempt under Section 1.12 of the land use bylaw. If you are unsure whether a development permit is required for your project, contact Planning Services at planning@cochrane.ca before you apply.

Application process

Complete the application form
Download and fill out the correct application form for your project.
Gather supporting documents
Each type of project has its own checklist. These checklists show which drawings, plans or documents you need to include. Incomplete applications can’t be processed, so double-check your checklist before submitting.
Submit your application
Email your completed form and all required documents to planning@cochrane.ca.
Once we receive your full application, it will be assigned to a File Manager for review.

Application packages and checklists

Find the right form and checklist for your project below.

Application type	Application requirements (checklists)	Application form
Accessory Suites (secondary suites and backyard suites)	See application package	Secondary & Backyard Suite Application Package (PDF)
Home Occupations and Bed & Breakfast	See application package	Home Occupation and Bed & Breakfast Application Package (PDF)
Variance from a Non-Compliance (for DP applications resulting from a Letter of non-compliance only)	See application package	Variance from Non-compliance Application Package (PDF)
Permanent signs (for temporary signs, visit the Signs webpage)	See application package	Sign application package (PDF)
Industrial development	See application package	Industrial Development Application Package(PDF)
Multi-unit dwellings (fee simple)	See application package	Multi-Unit Dwelling (fee simple) Application Package (PDF)
Multi-unit dwellings (single parcel/mixed use buildings)	See application package	Multi-Unit Dwelling (Single Parcel) Application Package (PDF)
Commercial development	See application package	Commercial Application Package (PDF)
Accessory building	See application package	Accessory Building Application Package
Change of use	See application package	Change of Use Application Package
Addition	See application package	Additions (Residential) Application Package
Stockpiling Excavation Stripping and Grading	See application package	Stockpiling Excavation, Stripping and Grading Application Package (PDF)
Telecommunications tower	Telecommunications Tower Checklist (PDF)	Telecommunications Tower Application Form (PDF)
Other	General DP Checklist (PDF)	General and AS Application Form (PDF)

Refer to the land use bylaw for more details on the above types of development.

What happens after you apply

File review: Your File Manager checks your application for completeness and contacts you if anything is missing
Circulation: The application is shared with relevant Town departments and external agencies for feedback.
Revisions: You may be asked to update your submission based on feedback
Decision: A Notice of Decision is issued, outlining approval, approval with conditions or refusal
Appeal period: A three-week appeal period follows the decision. If no appeals are received, the permit is released

Development permits FAQs

How much does it cost to apply for a Development Permit?

Who makes decisions on development permit applications?

Planning Services will review the application for a development permit and make a decision based on factors such as compliance with Land Use Bylaw regulations, compatibility with planning policy documents, planning merits, and the needs of the community. With these considerations in mind, Planning administration will either:

Issue a decision as the approving authority (Development Officer), or
Make a recommendation of approval or refusal to the Cochrane Planning Commission (CPC), who will make a final decision as the approving authority

The Development Authority (Development Officer or the CPC) renders a decision on the application (within 40 days of a deemed complete submission; longer if you have granted an extension). CPC meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

How long does the development permit process take?

How long do I have to complete a development after it has been issued?

Your development must be commenced within 1 year of the release of your development permit and completed in 2 years, unless otherwise specified in the conditions of your approval.

In order to request an extension, please complete and submit a Time Extension form (PDF) 40 days before the date in the condition and include a letter describing why an extension is needed. Please refer to the Planning Fee Schedule (PDF) to view the associated fee.

How can I appeal a decision on a development permit?

What is the difference between a Permitted Use and a Discretionary Use?

Permitted Uses are identified for each Land Use District. If an application meets the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw and is a Permitted Use, a development permit application must be approved (with or without conditions).

Discretionary Uses are also identified for each Land Use District. Development permit applications for discretionary uses require additional evaluation to determine if they will be compatible with the surrounding area, appropriate for the proposed location, and in alignment with broader town planning policies and objectives. Development permit applications for discretionary uses may be refused, approved, or approved with conditions based on the discretion of the development authority.