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## Planning & Development
Home » Planning & Development
## Continuous Growth in the County
The County works to ensure quality development that sustainably supports our long-term vision to be the leader in rural success.
On this page, you will find information related to types of development, current development project within the County, and development policies. Please visit our Permits & Applications page for more information on the Development Permit process.
Municipal Development Plan
Land Use Bylaw
Apply for a Permit
Active Permits
GIS WebMap
Area Structure Plans
Bylaw Information
Intermunicipal Development
Permit Resources
Docks and Lakeshore Development
Planning & Development Policies
FAQs
Contact Us
### August 25 Public Hearing
The County will be holding a Public Hearing at the August 25 Council Meeting for Bylaw 2026-20, to adopt the North Floatingstone Lake Area Structure Plan.
Hearing Details
## Permit Resources
### Safety Code Permits
All safety codes for the County of St. Paul and their corresponding costs are issued through Superior Safety Codes Inc., including permits for buildings, electrical, gas, plumbing, and private sewage disposal systems.
County resident applications are handled through the Lloydminster office.
Find Application Forms
### Development Permits
Before applying for a Development Permit, we encourage you to review our Land Use Bylaw and permit information. We have additional information depending on your structure, whether it's an addition or a shop.
Email your completed permit applications to [email protected]
Apply for a Development Permit
#### Does your project require demolition?
Your demolition materials may require an inspection from our Waste Management department, as not all materials are accepted at our County Transfer Stations. See our Waste Management page for more details.
### Click Before You Dig
In Alberta, utility cables and pipes for heat, electricity, water, and cell/internet service lie unseen just below our sidewalks, fields, farms, and yards.
Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta One-Call) can provide you with safe digging locations before you start your projects.
Contact Utility Safety Partners
### Subdivision Application
Please contact Municipal Planning Services (2009) Ltd. if you have any questions about subdivisions, how to apply, and associated fees.
On their website, you will find the necessary forms as well as a subdivision process walkthrough.
Learn About the Process
## Docks and Mooring Structures
Property development is increasing on Alberta's lakeshores. However, this shoreland development can have cumulative, detrimental effects on lakes and lakeshore areas.
To help lessen these effects, an Alberta Government Temporary Field Authorization (TFA) is required before placing a mooring structure (i.e. dock) for personal recreational use in Crown-owned-bed and shore, for longer than 14 days.
**This is an Alberta government requirement.** The County cannot advise individuals on what the province will require or approve. If you have questions regarding a client ID application or the Temporary Field Authorization process or application, please call Alberta Environment and Protected Areas at 780-623-5279.
If you are not the waterfront landowner, the province requires written consent from the landowner before authorization may be issued. In many instances, this may be the local municipality if the waterfront property is municipal or an environmental reserve.
The County can provide you with a **Municipal Letter of Consent** in order for you to acquire a permit for a mooring structure. This is provided through our Planning & Development deparment and comes with an associated fee (noted in our application form).
Lakeshore Developments Letter Form
## Intermunicipal Development
The County of St. Paul has developed a number of Intermunicipal Development Plans in accordance with the Government of Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA). These plans include St. Paul Region municipalities as well as our Lakeland Region neighbours.
### Within County Boundaries
County Municipal Development Plan Map
Town of St. Paul
Town of Elk Point
Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay
### Outside County Boundaries
Two Hills
Smoky Lake
Bonnyville
Lac la Biche
Vermillion River
## Area Structure Plans
The County of St. Paul is constantly evolving and continuously working on infrastructure development for future growth. An Area Structure Plan (ASP) is developed with an engineering consultant to determine the long-term land use and infrastructure planning of a defined area within a municipality. An Intermunicipal Area Structure Plan (IASP) is the same concept but as a partnership between two or more municipalities.
Below are lists of the approved and in-progress ASPs and IASPs within the County, including reports and project websites.
## Adopted
#### Onicikiskwapowin Crossing
The purpose of this ASP is to establish a land use framework for the development of SE 3 58 11 4 within the County of St. Paul. This ASP guides the review and approval of future rezoning, subdivision, and development applications within the Plan area. The ASP was approved through Bylaw 2025-11.
A redistricting application was submitted concurrently with the ASP. The Plan proposed that part of SE 3 58 11 4 be redistricted from an Agricultural (A) District to an Industrial/Commercial (IC) District to allow for a range of industrial/commercial uses. This redistricting was also approved, through Bylaw 2025-13.
This ASP is located on the northwest corner of the intersections of Highways 652 and 29 / 36, a half mile south of St. Brides.
See the full ASP and appendix documents, including Historical Resources, Title, Geotechnical, Biophysical, Transportation, and Phase 1 Environmental Assessment.
#### Buffalo Trail North and South
The Town of Elk Point and the County of St. Paul have adopted two IASP: Buffalo Trail North and Buffalo Trail South.
Each IASP will guide future growth and development of lands located at the northern (Buffalo Trail North) and southern (Buffalo Trail South) gateways to Elk Point, on lands in both the Town and County.
Persons and/or companies seeking to develop within the boundaries of either Plan area are advised to review the appropriate Plan and consult with the appropriate municipality before commencing their development.
North Plan | South Plan
#### Elk Point Aiport
The Elk Point Airport Area Structure Plan (ASP) has been adopted by the County. The intent of the ASP is to guide the future growth and development at the Airport, simplify and streamline operations, improve revenue generation, and promote regional economic prosperity.
View the plan.
#### Lac Sante Area
In 2008, in response to the development that had occurred adjacent to the lake in the 1990s and 2000s, the Counties of St. Paul and Two Hills began work on an Area Structure Plan (ASP) for the Lac Sante area.
View the plan.
#### Garner Lake
In early 2008, in response to the steady increase in interest toward lake-oriented development in Smoky Lake County and the County of St. Paul, as well as a growing awareness of the importance of local environmental stewardship and healthy watersheds, both Counties began work on revising the existing Area Structure Plan for the Garner Lake Area.
View the plan.
## In Progress
#### St. Paul North
The Town of St. Paul and County of St. Paul are currently looking to address the long-term planning and development of 588.4 hectares of land located adjacent to the northern end of the Town. This area includes both lands within the boundary of the Town and lands within the boundary of the County.
To address this planning and development, the Town and County are commissioning the preparation of an IASP.
See the updated ASP map, as of March 2026.
Have Questions? Contact Us
## Planning & Development Bylaws
General Municipal Servicing Standards (GMSS) provide direction and guidance to land developers as well as to County Council and Administration in the development of land and servicing of new developments. This direction guides our Land Use and Municipal Development Plan bylaws to ensure a proper and fair process for all applications.
Land Use Bylaw
Municipal Development Plan Bylaw
GMSS Bylaw
## County Policies
Policies are created to guide decision-making on municipal matters.
These policies are approved by County of St. Paul Council in accordance with Section 638.2 of the Municipal Government Act, RSA 2000, c M-26.
Can't find what you're looking for? Find all County policies on the Bylaws & Policies page.
#### Planning & Development Policies
### Planning & Development Policies
Approach Deposit Policy\_DEV-3\_February 12 201359.6 KBCleanup of Trees on Municipal and Reserve Lands\_DEV-8\_September 12 2023138.8 KBCounty-Owned Structures Not Requiring Permits Policy\_DEV-2\_October 11 201638.3 KBDevelopment Permit Application\_DEV-10\_September 13 2022439.5 KBDirect Access Walking Trails Application\_DEV-4\_September 12 202388.1 KBEncroachment Agreements Licenses Policy\_DEV-7\_September 12 2023194.7 KBRecreation Corridor Designation Policy\_DEV-5\_September 10 201373.6 KBReserve Lands Management Policy\_DEV-4\_June 10, 2025251.3 KBRoad Allowance Management Policy\_DEV-6\_August 8 201489.7 KBRoad Cancellation Policy\_DEV-9\_May 10 202262.1 KB
# Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a development permit and a building permit?
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**A Development Permit is reviewed against the rules of a Land Use Bylaw (zoning).** A development permit provides permission for a specific type of development to take place on a site. For example, the development may have height limits, minimum parking requirements, proper setback from the property lines, maximum lot coverage, or specific rules on the architecture of the proposal.
**A Building Permit is reviewed against the rules of the Building Code.** A building permit allows the construction of a building or structure to move forward on the condition that it addresses and is in compliance with provincial building codes. A building permit is necessary when any construction, relocation, alteration, demolition or repair is taking place on a property.
Do I need a permit for adding solar panels?
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If they are roof-mounted solar panels, no. But if they are ground-mounted solar panels, yes.
A building permit is required for all types of solar panels.
Do I need a development permit for building a shed/garage/carport?
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If it is over 150 square feet, yes, then a development permit is required.
If I am building something on skids, do I need a development permit?
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The short answer is 'yes'.
Do I need a development permit to build a deck?
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If your deck is 2 feet (0.6 metres) above the ground, yes.
I would like to build an addition. Do I need a permit?
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If it is over 150 square feet, yes. A development permit is required.
What is the setback when building a house or a seasonal cabin?
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The Land Use Bylaw distinguishes between **a dwelling and a non-dwelling residence**. A dwelling contains three components: sleeping quarters, bathroom and kitchen. Dwelling setbacks vary, depending on how the land is zoned:
**Agricultural**:
* Front Yard
+ 40 m (130 ft) from the centre line of the road;
+ 70 m (230 ft) from the centre line of Major and Minor Two-Lane Highways.
* Side and Rear Yards
+ 12 m (39.4 ft) except in the case of a Corner Lot, where the minimum required side yard from the sideline adjacent to the road or highway shall be as required for the front yard
**General Urban**:
* Front Yard - 7.7m (25 ft);
* Rear Yard - 7.7m (25 ft);
* Side Yard - 2.4m (8 ft).
**Country Residential**:
* Front and Corner:
+ Internal Local Road - 7.7 m (25 ft) from the boundary of the rightof-way;
+ Grid Road-39.6m(130ft) from the centerline of a County road;
+ Major and Minor Two-Lane Highways - 70 m (230 ft) from the centre line
* Side - 6.1 m (20 ft) each
* Rear - 7.7 m (25 ft).
We treat non-dwelling residences as accessory buildings, where setbacks are 5 feet from the property lines.
Do I need a permit for moving a mobile home?
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Yes.
Do I need a development permit to build a fence?
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Only if it is higher than 1 metre in the front yard and/or higher than 2 metres at the side and rear yard(s).
How many chickens/horses/roosters am I allowed to keep in my lot?
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There are no specific restrictions on the keeping of animals in **agricultural land**, unless it becomes a Confined Feeding Operation matter.
No roosters are allowed in **Country Residential** land (multi-lot subdivision area).
If your lot is less than 3 acres, a maximum of 12 poultry/fowl is allowed.
For lots larger than 3 acres, see the table below.
Do I need a permit for moving in a sea can?
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Yes. But if your land is zoned as agricultural land, it is exempted.
Can the County provide me with the name and contact information of a property owner?
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The County does not release the owner of property/properties due to the *Protection of Privacy Act (POPA)*.
Individuals may be able to obtain the information through a Land Titles Office or Alberta Registry Agent, though there will be a cost associated to do so.
I need some help with the development work (e.g. surveying, gas services, etc.) that's been approved, who can I ask?
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The County has prepared a contact list of local contractors who may be able to assist you.
This is not a full list of the contractors available. If you know of any additions that could be added to the list, please contact us.
This list is for info-sharing only; the County does not endorse one contractor over another.
## Contact
If you have a Planning & Development-related question, we invite you to contact the County of St. Paul using the contact information found on this page.
#### Contact Information
**WAYNE SHANKS,** *Regional* *Director of Planning & Development* **Phone:** 780-646-6750
**CHELSEY CARTRON,** *Planning & Development Officer*
Phone: 780-646-6806
**Email:**
[email protected]
**Address:**5015 49 Avenue
St. Paul, AB T0A 3A4
**Hours:**
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
*Closed from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.**Closed on weekends and all Statutory Holidays*
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