Development and building applications

Banff National Park

This information is not applicable within the Town of Banff.

Are you considering any construction or excavation work in the national park? Check with us first! All development and building projects in national parks require permits and an assessment on the potential impact of the activity to the national park (the Impact Assessment Process).

We welcome your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Banff Field Unit
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
banffpark.development-banffpark.developpement@pc.gc.ca

Lake Louise, Yoho, Kootenay Field Unit
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
llyklotissementsurbains-llyktownsites@pc.gc.ca
1-403-522-1186

For more information about land use planning and permitting in national parks and national park reserves, please visit our national website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need a permit?

Consult the following list of work that requires a permit. If you are still unsure, please contact our office.

  • Construction of a new building or structure, or an addition to, or replacement of, or major renovation or repair of a building and the placement in, on, over or under land of any of these;
  • alteration to the interior or exterior of an existing building or structure;
  • the relocation or demolition of a building or other structure;
  • a change of use of land or a building, or an act done in relation to land or a building, that results in or is likely to result in a change in the use of the land and or building, or;
  • a change in the intensity of use of land or a building, or an act done in relation to land or a building, that results in or is likely to result in a change in the intensity of use of the land or building;
  • the cutting or removal of trees in whole or part;
  • an excavation or stockpile and the creation of either of these;
  • the erection of a physical, temporary facility and structure;
  • the erection and modification of signage and/or fences;
  • landscaping, including terrain manipulation other than routine care and maintenance;
  • temporary testing or uses causing land disturbance; or
  • structures for photography or filming purposes;
  • the construction of ski runs, trails, ski run clearing, terrain modification or similar activity; and
  • the placement, alteration or removal of water, sewer, gas, electrical or fibre optic service lines.
What is the difference between a development permit and a building permit?

Development permit:
Typically, the development permit is the first step in the permitting process. Development permit applications allow for review of the full project scope to ensure the development proposal meets the various acts, regulations, policies and guidelines that Parks Canada is obliged to uphold.

More detailed definition of a development permit and process

Generally, approved development permits grant the permit-holder permission for the proposed activity and to apply for a building permit, if required. The development permit review allows Parks Canada to consider and assess the proposed development against the policies and objectives of the relevant community plan; land use directives (as applicable); relevant park management plan; other national park regulations, policies, plans, and guidelines. Findings from the impact assessment process will also guide the development permit and will be included as part of the conditions attached to all approved permits.

This development permit review process considers and comments on:

  • architectural design (form and character);
  • site layout;
  • social and environmental effects;
  • infrastructure servicing considerations;
  • impact to culturally significant features or elements;
  • exterior building design;
  • proposed development density;
  • on-site and off-site landscaping;
  • building siting;
  • building finishes;
  • lighting, etc.
  • and, other project specific factors.
 

Building permit:
Some projects may also require a building permit. Building permit applications allow review of a broad range of projects, unlike those issued in a typical municipal setting, and cover the technical requirements for a construction or demolition project to ensure it can be completed safely, in adherence with applicable codes.

More detailed definition of a building permit and process

The primary purpose for issuing a building permit is to ensure that all buildings and structures, as well as the site area, comply with relevant national and provincial building, health and safety codes, building and zoning requirements of Parks Canada legislation, regulations and other guiding documents.

Projects requiring a building permit include:

  • All new construction;
  • Altering or adding onto an existing building or structure;
  • Enlarging or relocating a window and/or door;
  • Making any structural change (renovations) or repairs to the interior or exterior of a building, including a deck;
  • Changing the occupancy use (from commercial to residential for example) (from mechanical to living space);
  • Relocating or removing (demolishing) any building or structure;
  • Undertaking excavation of any kind; or
  • Increasing or changing the “footprint” of a building.

Parks Canada will provide you with the application form and a list of any supporting materials that may apply to your project. You will also be required to retain a third-party inspection agency to conduct all necessary code reviews, analyses, and building inspections, at your own cost.

 
How do I get an application form?

Parks Canada Permit Application forms are not currently available online. We encourage applicants to contact the Development Office to discuss the project and what information may initially be required. The first step will be to complete a project description form. The development team will review the project description and advise on the required permit type and advise on the next steps.

What is the review process?

As per the Land Use Planning Regulations, relevant park management plans, community plans, and other guiding documents, all development or redevelopment in the Banff National Park Field Unit are subject to a review process. This is a comprehensive process made up of several permit applications each requiring its own review period. The review process typically has three main stages:

Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay (LLYK) Field Unit
For administrative purposes, Parks Canada is organized into field units which may contain one or more national parks. The Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay (LLYK) Field Unit includes all of Yoho and Kootenay national parks. It also includes portions of Banff National Park north of Castle Junction including the Lake Louise area and the south end of the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North).
  1. Development permit - requirement for all projects
  2. Building permit (and/or demolition permit) – if required
  3. Certificate of completion (and if applicable, an occupancy permit)

Ecological integrity will be the foremost priority for all development projects and will be evaluated through the concurrent development review and impact assessment processes. Development projects must aim to facilitate greater awareness and connection to natural and historical spaces, while conserving the qualities that make these places worthy for future generations.

 Development and Building Permit Process (Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay) [PDF, 120 KB]

Text version: Development and Building Permit Process (Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay) Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay (LLYK) Field Unit, Parks Canada

Reach out to llyktownsites@pc.gc.ca with a brief summary of your project. The Development Review team can help guide you through this process.

PRE-APPLICATION MEETING (if applicable)

Step 1: Please begin by contacting llyktownsites@pc.gc.ca with information about your project, and the appropriate form will be provided to you. Once complete, please return the form for review.

Parks Canada may arrange a pre-application meeting to discuss project specifics further, or they may provide you with the relevant application form along with next steps.

Step 2 (if applicable): Attend the pre-application meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to help you align your project with the Land Use Planning Regulations and local guiding documents.

Topics covered at this meeting may include requirements of the permit (site plan, civil, landscaping, staff housing, strategy), what plans will be reviewed in relation to your application (management plans, community plans, etc), as well as environmental expectations. There will also be a preliminary discussion around timelines, potential consultation requirements and fees.

Note: there is typically no charge for the first pre-application meeting.

Depending on scale and complexity of the first pre-application meeting or if additional meetings are required or requested, the pre-application meeting fee may be charged.

All projects must then proceed through the Development Permit process, as this is now required for every project.

STAGE 1

Development Permit Review (Required for all projects)

Step 3: Submit all components of the development permit application to Parks Canada. This application package will be provided to you after the initial forms and (if applicable) pre-application meeting has been completed.

Note: application fees are charged at this step. Payment of application fees does not constitute or guarantee approval of the development permit. All applications are subject to review and approval in accordance with applicable policies and regulations. Any changes or revisions to the proposed project after submission may be subject to additional fees.

Step 4: The Development Review team will conduct a preliminary scan to identify any elements that may be non‑compliant with regulations or local guidelines. The team will only contact you if significant issues or major red flags are identified.

At the same time, Parks Canada’s Impact Assessment team will determine the level of impact assessment required. This may be a Pre-Approved Impact Assessment (PRIA), a Basic Impact Assessment (BIA) or Detailed Impact Assessment (DIA). If necessary, a terms of reference will be provided to you to support completion of the necessary requirements.

Step 5: Parks Canada will begin the comprehensive review, and the applicable service standards apply (210 business days, or approximately 10 months for development review)**.

At the same time you must also complete the impact assessment requirements. You are required to complete this prior to the project progressing further.

Step 6: Development permit fees are invoiced. Once paid, Parks Canada will begin the comprehensive review, and the applicable service standards apply (210 business days, or approximately 10 months for development review).

Step 7:If the application is approved, the development permit will be issued, and you will move on to the building permit stage (if applicable).

Some projects may conclude at this stage, while others may be required to proceed to the building permit process. The Development Review team will advise you on what is required for your project.

STAGE 2

Building Permit Review (if applicable)

Step 8 (if applicable): Send the completed building permit application form to the Development Review team.

Note: application fees are charged at this step. Again, any changes or adjustments to the project will to be subject to additional fees.

Step 9:

Parks Canada will begin the comprehensive review, and the applicable service standards apply (45 business days, or approximately 9 weeks for building permit review)**.

Step 10:

After the comprehensive review of the application package, Parks Canada will arrive at a decision.

Decisions may include a request for additional information (which will be communicated through a detailed letter outlining any deficiencies), an approval, or a refusal. Once a decision has been communicated, the service standard period concludes.

Step 11:

If the application is approved, the building permit will be issued. Project work can commence.

If additional information is required, a permit will not be issued. A meeting will be scheduled to establish a reasonable timeline for submitting an updated application. A resubmission fee may apply.

Step 12:

At any point during construction, Parks Canada may inspect the site to ensure activities are in compliance with all terms and conditions of previously issued permits and land use agreements, including any environmental mitigation measures.

All building permits must continue to the completion review. A project is considered “complete” when the certificate is issued.

STAGE 3

Project Completion Review

Step 13:

Upon completion of the project and fulfillment of all building permit conditions, an application for a certificate of completion is required.

Parks Canada will assess the post‑construction documentation and may undertake on‑site inspections to confirm compliance.

Where the project does not meet the specified permit requirements, corrective measures may be necessary prior to final completion.

Step 14:

Upon satisfaction that the permit conditions have been fulfilled, Parks Canada will issue an authorization for occupancy (if applicable) and a certificate of completion. Parks Canada considers the project is complete when the certificate of completion is issued.

** Service delivery standards and timelines are applicable to operators who remain in good standing. Review processes may be paused if there are outstanding issues the Operator must resolve in order to return to good standing. Once resolved, service standards and timelines will resume.


Text version: Development and Building Permit Process (Banff Field Unit)

Determine permit type

This is the first step for all projects. Reach out to Parks Canada with a brief description of the project. Based on the description, the team will determine if a Development and Building Permit are required or just a Building Permit. The appropriate form(s) will be sent back to you.

Preapplication Stage/Project Description submission and review:

Step 1: Send the completed Project Description form to the Development Office.

Step 2: As needed, Parks Canada will contact you to request any additional information required to understand the details of your project. Parks Canada will then provide a response to confirm your project’s permit and impact assessment requirements, as well as next steps in the process.

Step 3: Complete an impact assessment if required for your project and obtain approval from Parks Canada.

Step 4: Parks Canada will deem you application complete; your project proceeds to the permit review stage and the applicable service standard begins.

Development Permit process:

Step 1: Submit all documents for the Impact Assessment review and Development Permit application as directed by Parks Canada following the Project Description review response.

Step 2: The Development team will conduct a preliminary scan to look for anything that would be non-compliant in relation to regulations and local guidelines. The team will only reach out to you if there are any red flags within the permit application.

At the same time, Parks Canada’s Impact Assessment team will work with you to progress and finalise your Impact Assessment. Please note: You are required to complete the Impact Assessment prior to the Development Team considering your permit application complete and proceeding with the comprehensive permit review.

Step 3: Development permit fees are paid and/or invoiced. Once paid, Parks Canada will begin the comprehensive review of the Development Application (applicable service standards will apply, up to 210 business days for development review).

Step 4: Development Team completes the Development Permit review and arrives at a decision. Decisions can range from the need for more information (details of which will be within the response), approval or refusal. Once a decision is communicated, the service standard period ends.

Step 5: If the application is approved, the Development Permit will be issued, and you move onto the Building Permit stage (if required).

If more information is required, Parks Canada will discuss with you and determine a reasonable timeframe to submit an updated application. A resubmission fee may apply.

Building Permit Process:

Step 1: Send the completed Building Permit Application form to the Development Office. As needed, Parks Canada will contact you to request any additional information needed to deem your application complete.

Step 2: If you have an approved Development Permit, this step is already complete. Continue to Step 4.

If this is a stand-alone Building Permit (in other words, a (i.e. no Development Permit was not required), submit all documents for the Impact Assessment review as directed by Parks Canada in the Project Description review response. You are required to complete the Impact Assessment prior to the Development Team considering your permit application complete and proceeding with the comprehensive permit review.

Step 3: Building Permit application fees are invoiced. Once paid, Parks Canada will begin the comprehensive review of the Building Permit application (applicable service standard will apply, 45 business days for Building Permit review).

Step 4: Development team completes the comprehensive review of the Building Permit application package and arrives at a decision.

Decisions can range from the need for more information (which will be detailed within the response), approval or refusal. Once a decision is communicated, the service standard period ends.

Step 5: If the application is approved, the Building Permit will be issued, and works can commence. Your permit issuance email will provide you with steps you must complete following project completion.

If more information is required, Parks Canada will discuss with you and determine a reasonable timeframe to submit an updated application. A resubmission fee may apply.

Occupancy Permit/Certificate of Completion Process:

Step 1: Once the project is finished and all conditions of the permit are met, apply for an Occupancy Permit and/or Certificate of Completion as directed within the permit issuance email.

Parks Canada considers the project complete when the occupancy permit and/or Certificate of Completion is issued.

How long does it take?

The Parks Canada development team will work with you during the application phase to ensure all requirements are understood. Review timelines will depend on the complexity of the project. Once Parks Canada has deemed the application complete (including completion of the Impact Assessment pathway), the service standard for issuing a development permit is 210 business days, or approximately 10 months, for development review.

At the same time, you will be required to complete the impact assessment requirements, with timelines that vary based on project complexity. After both the application and the impact assessment requirements are complete, Parks Canada will begin a comprehensive review of the submission. The review for development permits may take up to 10 months (or 210 business days) and building permits may take up to 9 weeks (or 45 business days).

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project, the estimated cost of construction, the time of year and the volume of applications being processed. Parks Canada permits are typically valid for one year from date of issuance.

How much does it cost?

Please visit the fees page for the most recent pricing information.

Note: Fees are required to be adjusted annually based on the two-year cumulative percentage change of the annual average Consumer Price Index (CPI), as published by Statistics Canada. This ensures that fees remain aligned with inflation and enables Parks Canada to recover the administrative costs of the program in the same manner as other permitting authorities.

Why is an impact assessment also required?

Parks Canada is mandated to protect the natural and cultural resources found in national parks. Impact assessments identify potential issues and determine mitigation measures to address adverse effects. As most development and construction activities in national parks have implications for people or the environment, legislation requires that they undergo an impact assessment.

Who approves my development and building application?

Superintendents are responsible for approving development and building applications.

Do I have to hire an architect to make my drawings?

It depends on the complexity of the project. For example, a deck or simple renovation may not require professional involvement for the drawings while other projects not only require an architect but also an engineer. Please contact the Development Office for clarification.

Do I need a survey?

Most exterior projects require a site plan to indicate where the buildings are located on the site, how much site coverage currently exists and where and how much parking is provided. A survey easily and completely provides Parks Canada the information needed to approve your project. Please contact the Development Office to discuss your project.

Why do I need to provide the project description form if I’m just building a garage?

There are impacts with every development project, even with projects as simple as a tree removal or excavation. The project description is the tool that Parks Canada uses to understand the details and assess the potential impacts.

What do I need to submit if I only want to build a deck on my house?

Deck construction or repair will require a Parks Canada development and building permit submission, including drawings, site plan and a project description form. Decks require building code review and inspection from a third-party inspector. Submitting an application package will start the review process.

Do I need a Building Permit if I’m renovating my bathroom?

It depends on the extent of the renovation. Cosmetic changes, such as painting or replacing bathroom fixtures (sink, toilet and tubs) now require a development permit but do not require a building permit. Structural changes (moving walls, adding walls or relocating doorways) as well as changes to the electrical wiring, relocating plumbing or work on the ventilation system do require a Parks Canada development permit and building permit.

Before starting any project, please check with the Development Office.

 

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