The Subdivision Process

Who can Apply for a Subdivision?

Only the landowner or an agent acting on behalf of the landowner may apply for subdivision. An agent may be any person acting on behalf of the owner. Often landowners hire or contract an Alberta Land Surveyor or other professional - planner, lawyer, engineer - to act on their behalf when they do not wish to undertake the application on their own. The subdivision application must clearly indicate the name of the agent.

How do Landowners or Their Agent Apply for Subdivision Approval?

The first step is completion of the subdivision application form. The landowner or their agent should contact our office or the municipality to determine who is the specified Subdivision Authority and obtain the official subdivision application form. Each municipality may have a different format and different requirements in terms of what constitutes a "completed application." Evaluation of a subdivision application will not begin until a "completed application" is received by MPS.

It is wise to ask for a copy of any relevant planning documents such as Municipal Development Plan, Area Structure Plan, Area Redevelopment Plan and Land Use Bylaw. These documents may restrict or prohibit the proposed use of the land subject to subdivision, without a bylaw amendment.