Planning & Development

The Town of Vulcan is Open for Business!!!

Industrial Land

Conveniently located between the major cities of Calgary and Lethbridge on Highway 23, consider the Town of Vulcan for industrial use. The Town of Vulcan currently has unserviced industrial lots for sale.

Commercial

Vulcan has a commercial sector that is viable to small and mid-size businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce provides information and services to businesses within the community to make Vulcan a strong and vibrant place to work and live.

If you are considering the Town of Vulcan for your business location, the Town of Vulcan has created a New Business Welcome Package (PDF) containing information about Vulcan and the resources available to you. In this package you will find important phone numbers, general information, available services and resources beneficial to you.

Check out the Town of Vulcan’s Tax Incentive Policy if you are considering a new business in Town or expanding your current business!!

Looking for a place to live with that small Town atmosphere and values with amenities – consider the Town of Vulcan!

Residential

Currently a large subdivision is underway and is surrounded by the Town’s 18-hole golf course. The Fairways has desirable walkout lots and lots backing onto the golf course. For more information visit The Fairways website.

If an adult community is what you desire, contact The Whispering Creek Condominium Complex at whispcr@gmail.com

The “established” residential areas offer a variety of homes on large lots.

Development Permits

Most construction, signs, business licensing & change of use requires a development permit. The Land Use Bylaw outlines the types of development allowed in each land use district and the rules and regulations governing them. A development permit ensures that the new development in the Town of Vulcan is suited to the surrounding area and meets the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw.

Not all proposed development requires a development permit such as smaller sheds and fences. It is best to confirm with the Town Office whether you need a permit for the development you are considering.

If a proposed use is listed as discretionary within the applicable land use district or a waiver beyond 10% of the requirement is requested, the application will be forwarded to the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) for consideration and the adjacent landowners will be notified of the application. The MPC meets on the second Tuesday of every month.

Building & Construction

In addition to a development permit, some projects may require additional permits for safety codes, i.e. building, plumbing, gas and electrical.

A building permit can be regarded as formal permission from the Town to begin construction, demolition, addition or renovation to a property.

Electrical, Plumbing and Gas permits are issued by the Town’s Safety Codes Officer and authorizes construction. In the interest of public safety and as required by the Safety Codes Act, all electrical, plumbing and gas installations require a permit and must be acquired prior to undertaking any work. Inspections are also a legal requirement of the Safety Codes Act, ensuring that the construction meets the requirements of the appropriate Safety Code and is as per the specifications outlined in the permit application.

Permits are issued through the Town Office. Superior Safety Codes Inc. is contracted by the Town of Vulcan for inspections services for building, plumbing, electrical and gas.

Statutory Documents

As of January 1, 2019, Section 638.2 the Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires municipalities to publish and maintain a complete list of documents that may be relied upon for decision-making by a development authority, a subdivision authority, subdivision and appeal board, or the Municipal Government Board (MGB), when it comes to rendering decisions on planning and development matters.

All local statutory plans must be aligned with the Provincial South Saskatchewan Regional Plan.

Planning Hierarchy

Bylaw 1484-19 - Vulcan County & Town of Vulcan Intermunicipal Plan
Bylaw 1464-17 Vulcan Municipal Development Plan Consolidated
Bylaw 1358-08 - Town of Vulcan Prairie View Estates Area Structure Plan
Bylaw 1437-15 - Town of Vulcan Land Use Bylaw

Contact Information

For questions or information on Development & Permitting:

Town of Vulcan

Rita Hovde - Development Officer

(403)485-2417

rhovde@townofvulcan.ca

For Safety Code questions or to book an inspection regarding Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Gas Permits

Superior Safety Codes – 1-888-717-2344

www.superiorsafetycodes.com

For Questions or Information on Planning and Subdivision

Oldman River Regional Services Commission

Kattie Schlamp - Planner

3105-16^th Ave North

Lethbridge, AB T1H 5E8

Phone: (403)329-1344

www.orrsc.com

Provincial and Federal Information and Regulations for Chickens

Planning & Development Documents

New Business Welcome Package

MPC Meeting Schedule, MPC Member-at-Large Forms

Development Permit Forms and Fees

Planning By-Laws

Statutory Plans

Planning Studies

Maps

Compliance Certificates

Building, Plumbing, Gas & Electrical Permit Forms & Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Compliance Certificate?

A compliance certificate is usually required by lending agencies and/or lawyers in the sale of property and/or mortgage approval in order to protect their clients’ investments. . A Compliance Certificate is not a legislative requirement, it is a service provided by the Town of Vulcan for a fee. A Compliance Certificate provides confirmation that all buildings and structures are in compliance with the Town’s Land Use Bylaw.

To apply for a compliance certificate, two copies of a Real Property Report no older than 5 years is to be provided to the Town together with the required fee. Compliance will be issued depending on whether there are any non-compliant or non-conforming buildings or structures within the property. There may be follow-up required with the Development Officer to obtain permits or approvals for identified non-compliant buildings or structures.

Where do I find a survey company?

All Alberta Land Surveyors are listed on the Alberta Land Surveyors Association website.

What type of work requires a permit?

The Safety Codes Act requires that all contractors and homeowners in Alberta obtain permits prior to commencing work on buildings covered by the Alberta Building Code or work governed by the Canadian Electrical Code, the Alberta Gas Code or the Alberta Plumbing Code.

What are the benefits of obtaining a permit?

The major benefits of obtaining a permit are knowing that the installation will conform to the safety standards that have been adopted under the Safety Codes Act, and that inspection(s) will be provided by certified safety codes officers.

When is a permit is not required?

Building permits are not required for minor repairs and replacements that do not affect the structural integrity of a building. Some of the projects that do not require a permit include:

Re-insulating or adding insulation
Window or door replacement providing the opening is not enlarged
Repair or replacement of plumbing fixtures
Re-roofing, except where structural work is not involved
Minor exterior repairs

A building permit is not required for sheds under 100 sq ft, however, all sheds must adhere to setback requirements as per the Land Use Bylaw.

What is a Land Use Bylaw?

The Land Use Bylaw divides the Town into land use districts and establishes procedures for processing and deciding upon development applications. It regulates the use and development of both land and buildings within the municipality, in order to ensure orderly, efficient development.

What is the difference between a “permitted use” and “discretionary use”.

When applying for a development permit for a permitted use, the development officer has the authority to approve the development permit. If the use being for applied for is “discretionary”, the development permit application is required to be advertised and the application brought before the Municipal Planning Commission for approval. Upon approval or denial, there is an appeal period in which anyone affected by the approval/denial can appeal the decision of the MPC.

What is the Municipal Planning Commission?

The Municipal Planning Commission consists of two Town Councilors and four members-at-large. The MPC meets once a month. MPC’s role is to:

Advise Council in achieving orderly and beneficial development of land
Make recommendations to Council on all planning related bylaws in the redesignation of land, land use bylaw amendments and the Municipal Development Plan
Act as the subdivision and development approval authority
Make recommendations to Council on other policy and strategic planning processes and documents