In the Special Areas, we’re proud of our land. We want to be good stewards, today and into the future. That’s why planning and development is done strategically and with the longevity of our community in mind.
Planning and Development Services manages development permits, subdivision planning, and other land matters in the Special Areas. We’re committed to providing a comfortable and straightforward experience for residents and developers.
Special Areas Development Officers are the primary contact for SAB Development Permits.
KEY CONTACTS
Special Area No. 2
Brett Richards, Development Officer
403-854-5600
brett.richards@specialareas.ab.ca
Special Area No. 3
Darran Dick, Development Officer
403-664-3618
darran.dick@specialareas.ab.ca
Special Area No. 4
Taryl Abt, Development Officer
403-577-3523
taryl.abt@specialareas.ab.ca
Planning Services
Palliser Regional Municipal Services (PRMS) provides planning and development services for the Special Areas, and is the primary contact for:
- Building and utility permits
- Safety codes
- Subdivision applications
- Land use order amendments
- Area structure plans
KEY CONTACTS
Palliser Regional Municipal Services
1-877-854-3371
Palliser Regional Municipal Services
Planning Resources
While planning for development, subdivision, or redesignation projects, you may need to reference Special Areas planning documents including:
- Development Permit Application: Form required by local development officers.
- Special Areas Land Use Order (LUO): A statutory document that regulates the use and development of land within the Special Areas. Amendments are listed in the document library.
- Subdivision Applications: Subdivision is the process of dividing a parcel of land into any number of smaller parcels as permitted by the Special Areas Land Use Order and Provincial regulations. Applications are managed by Palliser Regional Municipal Services.
- Area Structure Plans (ASP): Documents used by Special Areas when evaluating planning or development applications within specified areas.
- Special Areas Municipal Development Plan (MDP): A statutory document that guides long-range planning and land use in the Special Areas.
- Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP): A planning document that guides future growth and development between Special Areas and neighbouring municipalities.
- Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF): A planning tool used to facilitate cooperation between Special Areas and municipal neighbours to ensure municipal services are provided efficiently and cost-effectively.
Visit the document library or contact Palliser Regional Municipal Services for planning documents.
Planning Appeals
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals from individuals affected by decisions of the municipal development authorities. The SDAB makes decisions on these appeals in accordance with the provision of the Municipal Government Act and the Special Areas Land Use Order.
To appeal a decision of the Development Authority, individuals may appeal to the Development Appeal Board by serving written notice of appeal to the Secretary within twenty-one (21) days after notice of decision. For more information, contact your local district office.
The Land and Property Rights Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body established by the Province which hears appeals related to matters of provincial interest.
Property Line Locating
Special Areas provides locating services for ratepayers, including property line marking, and lot and property locations (hamlets). These services are not official Alberta Land Survey (ALS) boundary markers or a legal survey work.
These services are only available from April through October.
To request these services, complete the survey request form and sketch document (if required) and contact your local district office.
Development Permit Notices
Development Authority Notice of Decision
The following applications have been reviewed by the Development Authority:
| Date Posted | Development Area | Application Number | Legal Description | Type of Project | Decision | Appeal Process | Development Officer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 8, 2026 | Special Area No. 2 | SA2-01-26 | SW-10-21-09 W4M | 38’ x 56’ Rural Dwelling with Attached Garage | APPROVED | Permitted Use - No Appeal | Brett Richards |
Persons claiming to be affected by decisions of the Development Authority may appeal within twenty-one (21) days after notice of decision.
Note 1: Appeal by serving written notice to the Secretary of the Special Areas Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
Note 2: Appeal to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal by submitting the Notice of Appeal Form found at alberta.ca/subdivision-appeals.aspx
Further information regarding the above may be obtained from the Special Areas Development Officer.
Notice of Decision of Development Authority
The following application has been approved and permits issued:
| Date Posted | Application No | Type of Development | Legal Descriptions |
|---|---|---|---|
The Special Areas Land Use Order provides that any persons claiming to be affected by decisions of the Development Authority may appeal within twenty-one (21) days after notice of decision.
Appeals may be sent to the attention of the Land and Property Rights Tribunal. The appeal form can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/ma-lprt-subdivision-development-authority-appeal.pdf
Special Areas Board Development Officer