How to Subdivide Your Land in Parkland County: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Subdividing land in Parkland County is something more property owners are looking into every year. Some want to create a second lot for family, some plan to sell off a portion of their land, and others are thinking ahead for future development or retirement.

What sounds simple at first can turn into a long and frustrating process if the steps aren’t clearly understood. Subdivision isn’t just drawing a line on a map — it’s a formal approval process involving County planners, surveyors, and multiple review stages.

Having a clear understanding of how the process works helps avoid delays, unexpected costs, and unnecessary revisions.

Step 1: Pre-Consultation with the County

Before submitting a subdivision application, Parkland County requires a pre-consultation with a County Planner. This step helps identify potential conflicts early and ensures your proposal aligns with County policies and land use bylaws.

You’ll need:

• The legal description of your property

• A basic sketch showing the proposed subdivision

During this stage, the Planner may flag issues related to zoning, access, servicing, or environmental constraints. They may also recommend involving an Alberta Land Surveyor or other consultants before moving forward.

Step 2: Understand Zoning and Land Use Districts

Your property’s zoning determines whether subdivision is permitted and how many lots can be created.

The Land Use Bylaw outlines:

• Permitted and discretionary uses

• Minimum parcel sizes

• Subdivision limitations

• Area-specific regulations

Confirming zoning early prevents investing time and money into a layout that doesn’t meet County requirements.

Step 3: Prepare and Submit the Application

Subdivision applications are submitted through the PLANit Parkland system. A complete application typically includes:

• A Tentative Plan prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor

• Property dimensions and proposed parcel boundaries

• Existing buildings, wells, septic systems, and access points

• Easements, pipelines, and oil or gas wells

• A current title search

• Any required supporting studies

• Payment of applicable fees

Submitting a complete and accurate application at this stage helps prevent delays later in the process.

Step 4: Application Review

Once submitted, the County reviews the application for completeness within 14 days.

• Incomplete applications are returned with a deficiency list

• Complete applications move forward to circulation

This step is purely administrative but critical for keeping timelines on track.

Step 5: Circulation and Referral Period

During circulation, the application is reviewed by County departments and external agencies.

This review period typically lasts 21 days and may generate comments or conditions related to:

• Access and road requirements

• Servicing and utilities

• Environmental considerations

Adjustments to the tentative plan may be required at this stage.

Step 6: Subdivision Authority Decision

After circulation, the Subdivision Authority issues a decision:

• Conditional Approval, requiring specific conditions to be met before registration

• Refusal, which can be appealed within 30 days

Conditions often relate to access, servicing, or legal agreements and must be completed before final approval.

Step 7: Development Agreements and Off-Site Levies

If infrastructure is involved, a Development Agreement with the County may be required. This outlines responsibilities for road construction, utilities, stormwater management, and securities.

Some areas may also require off-site levies to support regional infrastructure improvements.

Step 8: Final Approval and Registration

Once all conditions are met:

• The subdivision plan is endorsed

• The Alberta Land Surveyor registers the plan with Land Titles

• The new parcel(s) are legally created

This completes the subdivision process.

Special Considerations: Conceptual Schemes

Larger or multi-parcel subdivisions may require a Conceptual Scheme. This document shows how the subdivision fits into future development, access planning, servicing, and environmental considerations.

Rules and Regulations to Be Aware Of

Key considerations include:

• Maximum number of lots based on zoning

• Development Agreements for infrastructure

• Environmental or geotechnical requirements

• Payment of all fees and levies before registration

• Appeal options if an application is refused

How Prairie Acre Developments Can Help

The subdivision process can be complex, especially for first-time applicants. Prairie Acre Developments helps property owners navigate the process by:

• Assisting with pre-consultation preparation

• Coordinating with surveyors and consultants

• Reviewing layouts before submission

• Managing conditions and development requirements

Proper planning upfront often saves months of delays and costly revisions.

Conclusion

Subdividing land in Parkland County is achievable, but it’s not something you want to guess your way through. Understanding the process and planning each step carefully makes the difference between a smooth approval and a stalled application.

With the right guidance, subdivision can be a valuable and rewarding step for your property’s future.