Subdividing is the process of legally dividing a single parcel of land into two or more smaller parcels; subdividing results in each of these smaller parcels having their own title. You may wish to subdivide your parcel for many reasons, including:

  • You are looking at retiring from farming and would like to sell off your farmland but keep your home. If this is the first time the quarter section has been subdivided, this is called a farmstead separation.
  • You may wish to subdivide one or more parcels to allow for different ownership of the land rather than joint ownership.
  • You may want to subdivide to allow for the sale of some or all of the land for a number of financial reasons.

There is a second type of subdividing that does not increase the number of parcels but shifts the boundaries between two or more properties. This type of subdividing is known as a boundary adjustment and undergoes the same process as subdividing to create multiple parcels.

What do I need to subdivide?

A subdivision application can be made online using the Gateway portal. To complete the application, you will need:

  • A completed and signed Applicant's Authorization Form. 
  • Description of the existing and proposed uses of the land
  • Information on the uses and characteristics of the land within 0.8km (0.5 miles) of the proposal.
  • Information on the topography, water, vegetation, and soil on the land to be subdivided.
  • Information on proposed water and sewage servicing for the proposal.
  • Information on any sour gas facilities within 1.5 km of the proposal
  • Information on any landfill sites within 450 m of the proposal
  • Information on any wastewater facility within 300 m of the proposal.
  • A current certificate of title for the land to be subdivided, including the names and addresses of all encumbrances.
  • The application fee as approved in the County's approved Fee Schedule 
  • Tentative plan of subdivision in electronic .pdf and .shp formats are required with the application. The tentative plan of subdivision must show:
  • The dimensions and boundaries of the land to be subdivided, each new lot to be created, existing rights of way, and any reserve land.
  • The location, use and dimensions of any buildings on the land, specifying those buildings which are proposed to be demolished or moved.
  • The approximate location and boundaries of the bed and shore of any body of water within or abutting the proposed parcel(s).
  • If the proposed lots are to be privately serviced, the location of existing and proposed wells and the location and type of proposed private sewage systems, and the distances from these to existing or proposed buildings and property lines.
  • The location of existing and proposed access to the proposed parcels and the remainder of the titled area.
  • The tentative plans are required both with aerial photos and without, and both with the LIDAR contours and without, at a scale of no less than 1:5000.
  • A map showing the 1 in 100-year flood plan if the land is located in a potential floodplain and the floodplain mapping is available.
  • Model Process – if the site is proposed to use a new private sewage disposal system, a site evaluation and suitability study is required. This can be conducted by a certified private sewage installer to determine the viability of the use of private sewage systems to serve the proposed subdivision

Additional information may be required by the Development Authority or referral agencies upon review of the application.

For multi-lot subdivision of six lots or more or for subdivisions that create the sixth lot or more on any one quarter section more detailed information is required including water and soil testing.

Do I have to rezone prior to subdividing?

In most cases, yes. The applications for rezoning and subdivision can be dealt with concurrently; however, prior to receiving subdivision approval, County Council must approve the rezoning application. If the rezoning application does not get approved, the subdivision application may not move forward for approval. If the rezoning application is approved, the subdivision will move forward for approval, however these approvals will not occur on the same day.

Rezoning is not required for farmstead separations in which an existing or abandoned farmstead is the first parcel to be subdivided off the quarter section. Rezoning is also not required if it has occurred as part of a previous application and the land proposed to be subdivided is currently zoned for the proposed use of the land following subdivision approval.

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department.

Who makes the decision to approve or deny a subdivision application?

The County's subdivision approval authority is the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC). Their membership is made up of County Council.

The decision is made based on information presented to the Commission following the circulation of the proposed application to various referral agencies, adjacent landowners, and encumbrances on title. At the hearing, a Planner provides a summary of the application with a recommendation to the Municipal Planning Commission, the applicant and/or his/her agent is then allowed to make a presentation, any other person wishing to make a presentation will then be allowed to do so. Written comments/concerns received by the Planning Department are included in the Municipal Planning Commission agenda.

Unlike an amendment to a bylaw, a subdivision is not required to receive three readings for approval or refusal. The Municipal Planning Commission instead makes a motion to approve or refuse the application and votes on the motion.

When does the decision take effect, and can it be appealed?

If the subdivision is approved, the conditions of approval must be met and the subdivision endorsed by the County before being registered with Alberta Land Titles.

The decision can be appealed within fourteen days after receipt of the written decision of the subdivision authority by the applicant if the application is refused or if the applicant does not agree to any or all of the conditions of the approval.

What is subdivision endorsement?

To finalize an approved subdivision, an endorsement package containing a surveyed plan of the approved subdivision and the "Subdivision Authority Approval" form must be received by the Planning Department. Once these documents have been received, and all of the conditions of approval have been met, and the associated endorsement fees have been paid, the County will sign the "Subdivision Authority Approval" form indicating that we authorize the registration of the subdivision plan with Alberta Land Titles - this is endorsement. It is then up to the applicant's surveyor to register the plan with Alberta Land Tiles.

Please Note: An applicant has one year to meet all conditions and get the subdivision endorsed. An application for time extension can be made if the conditions cannot or are not met in this time frame.