Subdivision approval makes sure that land divisions meet future development goals, follow municipal regulations, and align with the City of Lethbridge plans.

Subdivision means making new land parcels or changing property lines.

Subdivision may include:

• Dividing one parcel into two or more lots
• Adjusting lot lines between properties
• Creating separate land titles for duplexes, row housing or multi-unit developments
• Creating separate land titles for multiple dwellings located on a single property
• Reconfiguring existing parcels or consolidating portions of land

A legal land surveyor must prepare the final subdivision plan for registration.

Subdivision approval is generally required when:

• Creating new lots for development
• Splitting an existing parcel into multiple lots
• Creating separate land titles for duplex or row housing developments
• Adjusting property boundaries between parcels
• Creating separate land titles for multiple dwellings on one property
• Reconfiguring existing parcels of land

Subdivision is usually not needed when combining multiple lots into one parcel. This applies if all lots are owned by the same person.

Lot consolidations are typically completed by a lawyer through a process external to the City of Lethbridge.

Before submitting a subdivision application, applicants should:

• Review the applicable land use bylaw and statutory plans
• Confirm the proposed subdivision complies with zoning and development requirements
• Consult with an Alberta land surveyor about the preparation of subdivision plans
• Ensure all required supporting documents are available
• Check if you need extra approvals, like development permits or servicing agreements

Applicants should reach out to Planning & Design before submitting to discuss proposal needs.

Please submit the following:

• Completed Application Form
• Current Certificate of Title (view example)
• Tentative Plan of Subdivision - one paper copy and one digital copy (view example)
• Abandoned Wells Map
• Abandoned Wells Confirmation Form

More information may be requested depending on the complexity of the application.

Subdivision approval generally occurs in two stages:

Tentative (Conditional) Approval

The Senior Subdivision Planner reviews the proposed subdivision. They send the application to internal departments, nearby landowners, and outside agencies. If the application is supported, it gets a tentative approval. This may come with conditions that must be met before registration.

Final Endorsement

Once approval conditions have been met, the City endorses the subdivision documents. Then, they can be registered with the Alberta Land Titles Office.

The Alberta Land Titles Office handles final registration and issues new land titles.

1. Application submission
2. Completeness review
3. Technical review and circulation
4. Site inspection and evaluation
5. Tentative approval issued
6. Appeal period - applicant has 14 days to appeal to Subdivision and Development Board
7. Conditions of approval completed
8. Final endorsement issued
9. Registration through the Alberta Land Titles Office
10. New land titles issued

Janet Gutsell
Senior Subdivision Planner
Phone: (403) 320-3091
E-mail: janet.gutsell@lethbridge.ca