There are many issues that can affect your business and property. It is important to research these items before purchasing land.
- Permits and Approvals: Construction of residences, most buildings, the operation of businesses, sand or gravel pits and other uses in Lacombe County require development permits issued by the County. The permitting process helps assure you that your proposed project is in conformance with applicable County bylaws and statutory plans and is consistent with requirements regulating uses and standards such as setbacks, building size, types of businesses, number of residences and sewage disposal systems. As well, permits are often required from other agencies such as Alberta Transportation or Alberta Environment. Although the County has no jurisdiction in these areas, it can usually assist you through the process. Before commencing construction, be sure you have obtained the appropriate permits from the County’s Planning Department.
- There are parcels of land in Lacombe County that are separate for the purpose of taxation but may not be adequate, based on size and setback restrictions, to allow for development. What a property may be used for is also dependent on its zoning. When considering purchasing property located in the County, contacting the Planning Department will enable the proposed purchaser to determine the correct zoning of the property and any development restrictions that may apply to it.
- Easements may require you to allow for the construction of roads, power lines, water lines, sewer lines, etc., across your land. Check these issues carefully by obtaining an up-to-date title for the property.
- Many property owners do not own the mineral rights under their property. Owners of mineral rights have the ability to change the surface characteristics in order to extract their minerals. It is very important to know what minerals may be located under the land, and who owns them. Much of the rural land in Lacombe County can be used for resource extraction, subject to current land use zoning standards.
- You may be provided with a plan of your property, but unless the land has been surveyed and pins placed by a licensed surveyor, you cannot assume that the plan is accurate.
- Fences that separate properties can be misaligned with the property lines. A survey of the land is the only way to confirm the location of your property lines. Verification of the location of property lines is the responsibility of the property owner. Property line disputes are a civil matter that Lacombe County does not become involved in.
- Some subdivisions have covenants that limit the use of the property. It is important to obtain a copy of the covenants (or confirm that there are none) and make sure that you can live with those rules. Also, a lack of covenants can cause problems between neighbors. Lacombe County becomes involved in the enforcement of only those covenants that are registered in the name of the County.