Roadside development permits

Overview

A permit from Alberta Transportation is required for new or changes to roadside developments within the development control zone, which is:

• 300 m from a provincial right-of-way
• 800 m of the centerline of a highway and public road intersection

Permits are subject to:

• the provisions of Section 11 – 19 inclusive of the Highways Development and Protection Act, Chapter H-8.5 2004 (and its amendments)
• Highways Development and Protection Regulation (Alberta Regulation 326/2009) (and its amendments)

Requirements

Access

Direct highway access is a potential safety hazard to highway users, so it is only permitted if it is considered essential by Alberta Transportation:

• property with access through a local road, or available through a local road, does not normally qualify
• where direct access is essential, only one direct highway access per quarter section is usually permitted

If the proposal includes access to an existing or proposed new or upgraded municipal road intersection with a provincial highway, approval from the local municipality must be provided.

Minimum setback

Every proposal is assessed individually. Setbacks are determined after reviewing:

• proposal specifics
• future highway improvement plans

The general minimum setback for all development is 70 metres from the highway centre-line or no closer than 40 metres from the highway right-of-way boundary, except where these distances must be increased to allow for highway widening.

Site plan

Your site plan must show the:

• setback
• location of the existing and proposed development
• suggested access

Building details are not required, but you must provide the proposed development’s:

• location
• size
• type of building

See an example of a development site plan (PDF, 126 KB).

The plan size should be either 8 ½” x 11” or 11” x 17”. If multiple pages are submitted, the applicant must sign each page.

Vegetation

Placement of any trees, hedges or shrubs within 30 metres from the highway right-of-way boundary, or 60 metres from the centre line of the highway, whichever distance is greater, is prohibited without a permit.

How to apply

Step 1. Contact your local municipality

Inform your local municipality about the proposed development, and where it would be situated.

You should also ask your municipality contact to confirm if their written approval is required before you can proceed to step 2.

Step 2. Complete the Roadside Development Application form

Download and complete the Roadside Development Application (PDF, 491 KB).

Print your responses and provide all of the information requested, including:

• the proposed development, including a site plan
• its location
• access, including municipality approval, if required
• estimated cost (best estimate)

Step 3. Complete other application forms (if needed)

If signage, access, or utility permit is required, please complete and submit the applicable Application form with your roadside development application.

Step 4. Submit the application forms to Alberta Transportation

Return your forms to the appropriate Alberta Transportation District Office in person, by mail, or by email (preferred).  Fax applications are no longer accepted.

Contact

For more information about highway development and permits:

• use the Roadside Management Classification Map to explore which type of highway network your proposed development is on or nearby
• find your district by checking the Alberta Transportation Region and District Offices map (PDF, 2.3 MB)
• find an Alberta Transportation District Office (PDF, 227 KB) closest to your community