CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

Shortening timelines

New permit will put some builds on the fast track

Jan 20, 2021 | 4:25 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A new Fast Track Permit process will change when builders can start construction on new single detached dwellings in new neighbourhoods.

Under the city’s current system, approval of both a development permit and building are required before construction authorization is given.

The new system allows builders to have all their plans of what the home is going to look like, including their mechanical and electrical systems within the home, and submit those plans to the city.

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“Prior to getting approval if they give us the full submission we then tell them you’re authorized to go do construction,” says Kent Snyder, general manager of planning and development services for the City of Medicine Hat. “And then we go through their plans and provide them comments and approval after the fact but they’re already constructing.”

With the Fast Track Permit, builders of single detached dwellings can start to work on things like excavation and foundation pouring as the building permit is under review. It will drastically shorten timelines for builders.

“During the busy summer construction season when we see most of the homes we may at times take 10 to 15 business days to push out a permit at the longest typically,” he explains. “This would allow us to push out those permits and provide authorization within one to two days.”

He adds both the city and builders are excited.

The move comes with minimal risk as most issues that arise during building are above ground level, says Snyder.

The number of projects eligible for the Fast Track Permit is limited right now, but Snyder says this is only the first set.

“So it wouldn’t be for an infill home where it’s a knockdown or there was home there and you’re building something new, we haven’t quite got to that point yet,” says Snyder. “But if it’s a new piece of dirt that hasn’t been developed, you meet all of the rules, you’re not asking for any variances or relaxation you say, ‘yes I meet the rules here are my plans.’ We then provide authorization for people to get going.”

He says the program is likely to be expanded this year as the city looks to improve its speed so the builder can respond more quickly to community needs.

Snyder wants people to know there is no cause for concerns about safety.

“We aren’t compromising on community safety or community standards or expectations,” he says. “We’re not relaxing and code requirements.”