Subdivisions

The County of Newell will be processing subdivision applications directly.  Please contact us at 403-362-3266 to get the process started. 

In order to subdivide your land, you‟ll need to follow a series of steps, starting with a subdivision application. The process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks to obtain conditional approval (click here for the Subdivision Process). Then you'll have a year to satisfy the conditions of approval required for the subdivision. The scope of the conditions will vary depending on the complexity of the subdivision. They range from ensuring taxes are current to signing a development agreement to provide roads for the development. Once the conditions of approval are met and final endorsement is obtained, the subdivision will be registered at the Provincial Land Titles Office.

Because of the variability of subdivision development endeavors, all proposed subdivision applications are reviewed on a case by case basis. Please contact the County Planning and Development Department for further information and to go over the process.

A subdivision is the act of dividing a single parcel of land into two or more parcels, each to be given its own separate title.  Subdivision approval is also required for boundary line adjustments. 

Subdivision rules are legislated by the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and the Subdivision and Development Regulation.  The County of Newell’s Land Use bylaw provides subdivision policy for the land use districts within the County. 

Step 1: Subdivision Proposal 

Review the Land Use Bylaw or make an appointment to discuss your plans with County Staff.

While County staff can assist your application and navigating the bylaws and regulations, they cannot predict whether your application will be approved or refused by the Municipal Planning Commission.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Review the checklist and complete the subdivision application form. You will need to enlist the services of an Alberta Land Surveyor to assist with the subdivision sketch that will accompany your application.   Subdivision application package is available here: 

Step 3: Circulation

The County will review your application and create a Notice of Application Package.  The package is circulated to County departments and government agencies.   This may include school divisions, neighboring municipalities, provincial government agencies, the Eastern Irrigation District and adjacent landowners.

All comments received during this process will be presented at the Municipal Planning Commission Meeting. 

Step 4: County Evaluation

County Staff will review your application. Consideration is given to the following:

  • County Policy and Documents
  • Site Suitability
  • Impact on adjacent landowners and affected parties
  • Water and wastewater servicing
  • Legal and physical access

Staff will then create a report and make a recommendation to MPC.  MPC will either approve or refuse the application

Step 5: After the Decision is Made

A Notice of Decision will be mailed to you.  This notice will explain the conditions of approval.

If MPC has approved the application with conditions, the applicant will be responsible for satisfying the conditions prior to the subdivision being finalized. The removal of conditions is known as the endorsement process. 

If MPC does not approve the application, the file is closed.  The applicant is able to appeal the decision.

Step 6: Plan of Survey Needs to be Prepared

An Alberta Land Surveyor must prepare a formal plan of survey.  This must match the tentative plan that was included in your application package that was presented to MPC. 

Step 7: Submit a Complete Package to the County

The applicant provides a complete package to the County which will include the Plan of Survey, the necessary consents and all of the materials needed to meet the conditions of approval for the subdivision.

Step 8: Endorsement

The County reviews the materials and, if all the conditions have been met, issues the final Subdivision Endorsement. 

Step 9: Registration at Land Titles

The Subdivision Approval Letter and supporting documentation is registered at Alberta Land Titles by the applicant or the Alberta Land Surveyor on the applicant’s behalf.  Alberta Land Titles is where new land titles are creased for the newly created lots. The applicant has one year to register with Alberta Land Titles.