Guidelines for developers

Cochrane’s development guidelines support consistent, high-quality infrastructure and development. They provide technical direction for planning, design and construction to help projects move efficiently through the approval process.

These guidelines apply to development projects across Cochrane and are used alongside planning approvals, permits and inspections. 

Standards & technical guidelines

Development in Cochrane follows a combination of local standards and shared regional guidelines, including select standards from the City of Calgary. Developers are expected to review and apply the appropriate standards when designing and constructing infrastructure. These resources should be reviewed early in project planning to avoid delays.

CCC & FAC inspections

Construction Completion Certificate and Final Acceptance Certificate inspections confirm that subdivision infrastructure meets Town requirements before it is assumed.

Helpful tip
During construction, developers are responsible for all public infrastructure. The Town of Cochrane assumes ownership only after construction is complete, the maintenance period has passed and a final inspection is approved.

The Town does not provide engineering services. All engineering work must be completed by qualified, legally authorized third-party professionals.

Requesting a CCC or FAC inspection

To request an inspection:

  1. complete the Inspection Request Form (PDF) 
  2. send the form to your Civil Land Development contact

If you do not have a contact, use the email listed on the form

Seasonal inspection timelines

  • inspections are weather dependent
  • no inspections take place between Nov. 15 and April 1
  • landscaping inspections are not conducted between Oct. 1 and June 1

Forms, certificates and permits

Access required forms, certificates and permits related to civil land development and inspections.

Title Sort descending
Builder Grade Form
Civil Land Development Services Fee Schedule
added to Cochrane October 2024.
Construction Completion Certificate (CCC)
Construction Completion Certificate - Landscaping (CCC)
Construction Completion Certificate/Final Acceptance Certificate Checklist
Construction Completion Certificate (CCC) and Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) Document Checklist
Detailed Site Servicing Plan (DSSP) Checklist
Development Permit Application Checklist - General
Review this checklist to ensure that your Development Permit application is complete. 
Development Permit Application Checklist - Industrial / Commercial / Multi-Unit Dwellings
Review this checklist to ensure your Development Permit application for an industrial or commercial development, or multi-unit dwelling is complete.
Development Permit Application Checklist - Signs
Review this checklist to ensure that your Development Permit application for a sign is complete.
Development Permit Application Checklist - Stripping and Grading
Review this checklist to ensure that your Development Permit application for Stripping and Grading is complete.
Development Permit Application Form - Signs
Development Permit Application Package for Secondary and Backyard Suites
Development Permit Checklist - Change of Use
Review this checklist to ensure that your Development Permit application for a Change of Use is complete.
Dewatering & Pumping Permit
DP Application Form - Commercial/Industrial/Multi-Unit Dwellings
Use this application form to apply for a development permit for a commercial, industrial, or multi-unit dwelling project.
Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC)
Final Acceptance Certificate - Landscaping (FAC)
General Development Permit Application Form
ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Labs
Landowner Authorization Form
This form may be included with the submission of a Development Permit application package to provide landowner authorization  for the application.