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Development & Building

🏗️ Development & Building Permits

Rural Municipality of The Gap No. 39

📘 Planning Framework

The RM of The Gap No. 39 has adopted the following bylaws to guide community development:

  • Official Community Plan – Bylaw No. 7/2020: Identifies the unique needs of our community and supports long-term sustainability.
  • Zoning Bylaw – Bylaw No. 8/2020: Provides development standards to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of residents.

The Zoning Bylaw outlines the process for submitting a development permit application and the criteria used to evaluate proposals. There are two types of development permits:

  • Permitted Use Development Permits
  • Discretionary Use Development Permits

🏡 Permitted Use Development Permits

You must apply for a Permitted Use Development Permit if you are:

  • Constructing a new residence
  • Building an agricultural accessory structure larger than 500 ft²
  • Developing a new bin yard

You do not need a permit for:

  • Agricultural accessory structures 500 ft² or smaller (e.g., grain bins, mobile storage containers)
  • Internal building alterations
  • Landscaping that does not affect drainage
  • Temporary use structures
  • Installation of a well or septic tank
  • Installation of signage

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Please contact the municipal office to confirm whether a permit is required for your specific project.

🏢 Discretionary Use Development Permits

You must apply for a Discretionary Use Development Permit for developments such as:

  • Commercial greenhouses
  • Bed and breakfast homes
  • Animal kennels
  • Accessory agricultural residences (e.g., boarding houses)
  • New or expanded intensive livestock operations
  • Solar energy systems
  • Gravel pit development

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Please contact the municipal office to confirm whether a permit is required for your specific project.

💰 Development Permit Fees

Permit Type Fee Reviewed By

Permitted Use $100.00 Development Officer

Discretionary Use $200.00 Municipal Council

📝 How to Apply for a Development Permit

Contact the Development Officer (Administrator) to discuss the application process. Requirements may vary depending on the nature of your proposed development.

🧱 Building Permits

The RM of The Gap No. 39 has adopted a Building Bylaw – Bylaw No. 1/2023, which enforces:

  • The Construction Codes Act
  • The Building Code Regulations
  • The Energy Code Regulations
  • National Building Code of Canada
  • National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings
  • Ministerial interpretations and appeal board orders
  • Building Official orders

🏗️ When Is a Building Permit Required?

A building permit is required for:

  • Any building larger than 10 m² (107.6 ft²), except for farm use buildings*
  • Retaining walls over 600 mm (2 ft) in height
  • Decks more than 600 mm (2 ft) above ground level

Note: Farm use buildings that include living quarters do require a building permit.

💰 Building Permit Fees

Building Type Fee

One-family dwelling or accessory $100.00

Commercial Property $200.00

The building owner is responsible for all service fees charged by the Building Official for plan reviews and inspections.

📝 How to Apply for a Building Permit

Contact the Administrator to discuss the application process. Requirements vary depending on the type and scope of your project.

🛠️ Approved Building Officials

The RM of The Gap No. 39 contracts two licensed Building Official groups:

  • Professional Building Inspections, Inc. (PBI)
  • Municode Services Ltd.

You may choose either group to conduct your plan review and inspections. Once selected, the project must be completed with the chosen group.

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