Bashaw town council approved a policy outlining how the town processes certificates of compliance after removing a duplicate property owner consent requirement during its regular council meeting on Oct. 21, 2026.

Policy 66.20 establishes application requirements, processing timelines and procedures for addressing buildings or structures that do not meet the town’s land use rules.

Certificates of compliance are commonly requested during real estate transactions. They indicate whether buildings and structures shown on a real property report meet applicable municipal requirements for their placement on a lot, including distances from property boundaries.

An administration report prepared by chief administrative officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller explained that the certificates are a voluntary municipal service. They do not confirm compliance with the Alberta Building Code or establish a property’s permit history.

During council’s discussion, administration described how a surveyor’s real property report is compared with the land use bylaw to identify issues such as buildings too close to property lines or structures requiring development approval.

Council members discussed the practical value of having a clear process for property owners, particularly when a sale brings an existing compliance issue to light.

Questions also focused on fees and whether an applicant would be charged again after resolving a problem.

Administration explained that an initial review could identify a non-compliant development, requiring the owner to pursue a development permit before a compliant certificate could be issued.

Under the policy, a replacement certificate can be issued without another certificate fee when the necessary development approval or encroachment agreement is obtained within one year of the original certificate.

Changes to the property require an updated real property report.

Council also considered whether the certificate policy and a separate encroachment policy should be combined.

Administration said the recommendation was to keep them separate, noting that encroachments can involve structures extending onto town property.

Much of the wording discussion centred on owner consent.

Item 16 required written consent from the property owner with every certificate request. Council members noted that the application requirements already addressed landowner authorization when someone other than the registered owner applied.

Members questioned the duplication and discussed making the requirements easier to follow.

A motion directing administration to strike item 16 from the certificate of compliance policy carried. Council then passed a separate motion approving Policy 66.20.

The policy retains a provision requiring explicit written permission from the property owner before a certificate is released to a third party, subject to requirements of the Access to Information Act.

According to the policy presented to council, reviews will rely on real property reports prepared by an Alberta land surveyor in good standing. The town will not conduct site visits to verify those reports.

The town expects to process requests within 10 business days, although applications involving non-compliance or encroachments may take longer. Two-day rush processing may be requested for an additional fee but is not guaranteed.

Administration said the policy would provide a consistent process and help applicants understand what a certificate confirms and what falls outside its scope.