Development Permits Required: All development in the RM of McKillop requires a permit, with exceptions for certain agricultural operations and fences/gates (still subject to Zoning Bylaws).
Development vs. Building Permits:
- Development Permit: Reviews if a development meets the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw.
- Building Permit: Ensures safety and compliance with the National Building Code for construction.
Development Fees: Required unless the project involves specific exceptions (e.g., agricultural operations, fences, certain antennas).
Planning Fees: Developers must pay for planning reviews, as the RM contracts professional planners for land use compliance.
Previous Owner’s Permits/Reports: Ensure previous owner provides development/building permits and inspection reports before purchasing property to avoid costly permit submissions.
Building Permits Public Access: Building permit information is not public and must follow a formal process under the Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Geotechnical Report Required: For projects in Lakeshore, Recreational Resort, or Environmentally Sensitive areas, a site-specific geotechnical report is required.
Application Processing Time: Development applications take around 2-3 weeks for processing.
Building a Garage Before House: Allowed with a $5000 security deposit. Garage must be built before the house within 5 years.
Setbacks: Minimum distances required between a building and property lines, roads, and other structures as per RM Zoning Bylaws.
Impact of New Shed on Taxes: Any shed 100 sq. ft. or larger is assessed as an improvement and will affect property taxes.
Sea Cans/Shipping Containers: Allowed as accessory buildings with modifications, subject to development permits and visual nuisance restrictions.
Beach Ownership: The public has access to lakebed and shoreline property, but private landowners control access to their land.
Water Security Agency (WSA) Permits: Required for work along the shoreline, such as landscaping or building a boathouse.
Dock Installation: Seasonal piers and docks on Crown land require a permit. Property owners are responsible for structures left in the water.
Mobile vs. Modular Homes:
- Mobile Homes: Built on a steel frame/chassis, depreciate in value, allowed only in Uhl's Bay or agricultural properties.
- Modular Homes: Built like traditional structures, appreciate in value.
