Southern Alberta Development Approvals

All new commercial/industrial construction requires development and building permits. Major renovations typically require building permits. If you are changing the use of the building/space you are moving into, development permits are often required. Plan ahead and avoid red tape by acquiring all relevant municipal permits prior to operation.

For fee schedules and development/building permit forms:

Town of Cardston
Town of Claresholm
Municipality of Crowsnest Pass
Town of Pincher Creek
Town of Fort Macleod - call the Fort Macleod Development Department at 403-553-4425 Ext. 227

All businesses are required to obtain a business license in each of the municipalities they operate in. A business license signifies to the public and other businesses that you have met municipal licensing and other Municipal Bylaw requirements and are permitted to operate your business. The onus is on the individual business to determine whether a Provincial license is required.

For more information about provincial business licensing:

Consumers Licenses
Provincial Business Licenses
Child Care Licensing

A Regional Business License ($40) for Alberta SouthWest communities is available at municipal offices. A business must first have a local business license and be resident in one of the Region communities. The Regional Business License permits business to be conducted in all of the Region communities, avoiding a much more expensive requirement to purchase “Non-Resident” licenses in each municipality you operate in. Contact a municipal office in the Region to purchase.