Subdivisions

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Subdivisions

What is a Subdivision?

Subdivision refers to the process of adjusting the boundaries of a parcel of land to:

Change the dimensions of an existing parcel
Create new/additional parcels of land
Reduce the number of parcels of land

The municipality’s Subdivision Authority must approve new subdivisions before the new property boundaries can be registered with the Alberta Land Titles Office. Municipal Planning Services is our municipal clients’ designated Subdivision Authority (or Subdivision Authority Officer).

Subdivisions

Number of Subdivisions

2024

2023

2022

2021

Subdivision Process

The subdivision process can be quite complex. Although a landowner (or their representative) can apply for a subdivision, it is recommended that they hire a professional Alberta Land Surveyor, Planner, Lawyer, or Engineer who is familiar with Alberta’s planning regulations.

Properly prepared applications usually proceed faster, and registration at the Land Titles Office can be achieved sooner. We recommend contacting surveyors in your area for quotes before you submit your application.

For Flagstaff County’s subdivision process, please go to www.munplan.ab.ca.

1.

It is recommended the applicant meet with municipal staff or arrange for a virtual meeting with a planner from Municipal Planning Services prior to applying for subdivision.

2.

Subdivision application packages may be picked up at the municipality’s office, downloaded and printed, or emailed/mailed to you by request.

3.

Once the subdivision application has been submitted to Municipal Planning Services with the required fee, Municipal Planning Services staff will undertake a preliminary review of the application to determine if it is complete.

4.

When the application is deemed complete (all forms and fees have been provided and the file is open), Municipal Planning Services staff will assess the application by reviewing it for conforming.

5.

The application is circulated for review to Municipal or Government of Alberta departments or agencies, Utility agencies and services, School divisions, Landowners and municipalities.

6.

Once the circulation comments have been received and the internal review is complete, staff will prepare a report and make a recommendation to the Subdivision Authority.

7.

The application will be reviewed by the Subdivision Authority, who will render a decision on the application or defer the application pending the provision of further information by the applicant/owner.

8.

The decision of the Subdivision Authority may be appealed by the applicant, landowner, affected government departments, and (if regarding municipal and school reserves) a school division.

9.

Once the conditions of approval have been satisfied, the applicant or their surveyor may submit one paper print and a digital copy of the plan to Municipal Planning Services and the municipality for endorsement.

10.

Once endorsed, the planner will contact the applicant and/or the applicant’s surveyor. The endorsed plan may then be registered at the Alberta Land Titles Office by an Alberta Land Surveyor.

What are the costs?

The following additional fees may apply to a subdivision. GST is payable on all fees.

The base application fee is $750 plus an additional $250 per lot fee.

Surveying Costs

Surveying shows structure locations, prepares plans, and registers documents. Alberta law requires an ALS. Contact surveyors directly for service estimates.

Municipal Reserves

Municipal reserves may be required during subdivision as land or cash-in-lieu, per the Municipal Government Act. Market value may be assessed.

Municipal Reserve (and other forms of reserves) may be taken at the time of subdivision in accordance with the Municipal Government Act. Reserves may be required to be provided as either land or cash-in-lieu of land. The land’s market value may be assessed/appraised to determine its value.

Municipal Services

Developers typically cover municipal service costs, including utilities.

Land Title Office

Land Titles Office charges fees for new titles upon survey registration. An Alberta Land Surveyor can provide details on the process.

The Land Titles Office of Service Alberta requires fees for the issuance of new titles.

These fees are paid to the Land Titles Office when the survey instrument is submitted for registration. An Alberta Land Surveyor will be able to provide information about this process.

The title search fee of $15.00 is applicable when a recent land title (dated within 90 days from the time of application) is not provided by the applicant, and a land title is obtained by MPS.

Statutory Plan and/or LUB Amendments

Amendments to the MDP, ASP, or LUB may be needed if a subdivision doesn’t conform. Costs and timelines vary by amendments and proposal complexity.

Professional Studies and Reports

Some subdivisions require extra information based on site characteristics or complexity, including federal/provincial approvals or building suitability. Studies may include geotechnical reports, environmental assessments, wetland assessments, traffic impact studies, and engineering reports.

For more information, contact the Development Department at 780-384-4130.

Application Guide

Make sure you’re meeting all requirements of the subdivision application process. Download our checklist below and get started.

Online Application

Fill out the application form linked here to begin the subdivision application process, and send it by regular mail to the address below.

Municipal Planning Services (2009) Ltd.
#206 17511 – 107 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1E5

Further information can be obtained by contacting Municipal Planning Services (2009) Ltd.:

P: 780-486-1991
E: admin@munplan.ab.ca
www.munplan.ab.ca

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by Municipal Planning Services (MPS) to ensure all necessary requirements are met.