Town of Banff

Development Process

As an incorporated municipality inside Banff National Park, the Town of Banff faces unique responsibilities that include maintaining the town as part of a world heritage site, serving as a visitor centre for national park visitors and preserving a community character that reflects and is consistent with its spectacular, natural setting.

All residential and commercial development and redevelopment proposals must be reviewed for compliance with the Banff Community Plan, the Land Use Bylaw and the Banff Design Guidelines. Development review and approval in Banff is the responsibility of the municipal government, however, Parks Canada is involved in areas such as subdivision and rezoning.  The Town of Banff's development and environmental review process is among the most rigorous of any Canadian municipality.

When is a development permit required?

A development permit is required for most types of development including new buildings or replacement of buildings, additions, interior and exterior renovations, repairs, decks, accessory buildings, a change of use of land or a building, a change in the intensity of use of land or a building, new signs or replacement of signs, tree cutting or removal, excavations or stockpiles, and repainting or refinishing buildings to a different colour or finish.  

In accordance with Banff's unique commercial growth management regulations, a Commercial Use Development Allotment is required before a development permit can be issued for commercial developments involving any increase in gross floor area.  Commercial developments involving an expansion of gross floor area or an increase in the intensity of use of land or a building are required to provide additional parking and housing for staff as a condition of development approval.

Do I need to submit an environmental assessment?

Most development proposals in the town of Banff will require an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA).  The Town of Banff and Parks Canada have established a Model Class Screening Report (MCSR) to simplify the environmental assessment process for routine projects conducted within the townsite.  The MCSR makes it easier for development projects to comply with the CEAA requirements.  In some cases, a separate environmental assessment may be required if your development project cannot be classified as a routine project.

When is a building permit required?

A building permit is required for most development and redevelopment proposals described above. The building permit ensures the development's compliance with the Alberta Building Code and Safety Codes Act.  To confirm whether or not your project requires a building permit, please contact the Building Inspector.

When is a sign permit required?

A sign permit is required to install, alter or relocate any sign within the town.  Types of signs that require a permit include, but are not limited to, wall signs, window signs, hanging signs, canopy/awning signs, directory signs, menu boxes and freestanding signs.


For more information on the development process in Banff, please contact the Planning & Development Department.