A development permit is written approval from the Town of Cochrane that allows your project to move forward. It confirms your plans follow the Town’s Land Use Bylaw and helps make sure new development fits well within the community.
Launch the development permit map to explore current applications in Cochrane. You can also view recently approved permits under Public Notices in the Permitted and Discretionary Uses section.
When do I need a development permit?
Most types of development in Cochrane require a permit.
According to the Municipal Government Act (MGA), "development" includes;
excavation or stockpiling of material
new buildings
addition/replacement/repair of existing buildings
a change in how the land is being used
increasing how intensely land or building is used
Common projects that require a development permit
Accessory suites (secondary suites or backyard suites)
Home occupations (Class 2)
Signs on buildings on private land
Multi-unit dwellings
Bed & breakfasts
Some projects are exempt under Section 1.12 of the Land Use Bylaw.
If you are unsure whether a development permit is required for your project, discuss your proposal with Planning Services at planning@cochrane.ca.
Application process
Complete the application form Download and fill out the correct application form for your project.
Gather supporting documents Each type of project has its own checklist. These checklists show which drawings, plans or documents you need to include. Incomplete applications can’t be processed, so double-check your checklist before submitting.
Submit your application Email your completed form and all required documents to planning@cochrane.ca. Once we receive your full application, it will be assigned to a File Manager for review.
Application packages and checklists
Find the right form and checklist for your project below.
Application type
Application requirements (checklists)
Application form
Accessory suites (secondary suites and backyard suites)
Refer to the Land Use Bylawfor more details on the above types of development.
What happens after you apply
File review: Once assigned, your File Manager reviews your application. If anything’s missing, the file manager will contact you.
Circulation: The application is shared with relevant Town departments and external agencies for feedback.
Revisions: If feedback is received, we’ll let you know so you can make updates.
Decision: The approving authority reviews the file and issues a Notice of Decision—either approved, approved with conditions or refused (with reasons).
Appeal period: After approval, there’s a three-week appeal period. If no appeals are received, the development permit is released.
Planning Services will review the application for a development permit and make a decision based on factors such as compliance with Land Use Bylaw regulations, compatibility with planning policy documents, planning merits, and the needs of the community. With these considerations in mind, Planning administration will either:
Issue a decision as the approving authority (Development Officer), or
Make a recommendation of approval or refusal to the Cochrane Planning Commission (CPC), who will make a final decision as the approving authority
The Development Authority (Development Officer or the CPC) renders a decision on the application (within 40 days of a deemed complete submission; longer if you have granted an extension). CPC meets on the third Wednesday of each month.
The development permit process takes a minimum of 10-12 weeks including the three-week appeal period which commences on the Notice of Decision date.
Please be advised that processing times may be extended for complex applications or when the Town is experiencing a high volume of submissions.
Your development must be commenced within 1 year of the release of your development permit and completed in 2 years, unless otherwise specified in the conditions of your approval.
In order to request an extension, please complete and submit a Time Extension form 40 days before the date in the condition and include a letter describing why an extension is needed. Please refer to the Planning Fee Scheduleto view the associated fee.
Development Authority decisions may be appealed to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board within 21 days of the advertisement of the Notice of Decision. An appeal may be submitted by the applicant or a deemed affected party (as established in the Municipal Government Act)
Permitted Uses are identified for each Land Use District. If an application meets the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw and is a Permitted Use, a development permit application must be approved (with or without conditions).
Discretionary Uses are also identified for each Land Use District. Development permit applications for discretionary uses require additional evaluation to determine if they will be compatible with the surrounding area, appropriate for the proposed location, and in alignment with broader town planning policies and objectives. Development permit applications for discretionary uses may be refused, approved, or approved with conditions based on the discretion of the development authority.
