• Check with the county if the seller indicates that an unpaved road will be paved.
  
• Consider purchasing landscaping equipment that will adequately maintain your property.
  
• Ensure your private access road can accommodate large emergency and heavy construction vehicles.
  

Noxious weeds must be controlled.

• Contact the Agricultural Services department for information.
  
• Factor in maintenance costs, as properties are larger in size than in the city.
  

The topography of the land can create challenges.

• Determine how water will flow on the property and develop accordingly.
  
• Have a soil test performed on your property by a qualified professional before any development or construction occurs. Expansive soils can buckle concrete foundations and twist steel I-beams.
  
• Be aware that homes built in forested areas are more susceptible to the dangers of wildland fires.
  

Surrounding land may not stay the same as it is today; Alberta's Industrial Heartland in the east side of our county is designated for heavy industrial and petro-chemical industrial development. The Calahoo-Villeneuve area in the southwest side of our county is used for gravel extraction.

• Find out if an area structure plan exists, zoning of neighbouring properties and what future developments may be on the horizon.
  
• If your property is adjacent to another municipality, check with their office to learn about future development plans.
  

Special conditions and requirements

Whether you are considering developing property, renovating an existing home or operating a home based business, the permitting process helps assure that your proposed project adheres to applicable county bylaws and statutory plans.

• Check with the Planning & Development department to determine zoning and development restrictions that may apply to your property.
  
• Obtain the necessary development, electrical, plumbing, gas, private sewage or building permits needed prior to construction. Contact the Planning & Development department for assistance.
  

Permits are often required from other agencies as well. Although the county has no jurisdiction in these areas, we can usually assist you through the process.

• Check with Alberta Environment if you are developing property near water, marshes, or other wetland areas. The provincial and federal government regulates most creeks, streams, rivers and wetlands, establishing setbacks, buffer zones and provides special approvals for development. Proceeding without approvals could lead to civil action in court.

Easements and special access may require you to allow mineral extraction, construction of roads and utility lines on and across your property.

• Obtain an up-to-date title for the property from Alberta Land Titles office or any Alberta Registries office.
  n Obtain legal advice in advance to understand the legal aspects of access and avoid any potential problems.
  
• Know what minerals may be located under your land and who owns them. Many property owners do not own the mineral rights. Extracting these minerals can change the surface characteristics of your property.
  
• Find out about water licenses that exist for any creeks or streams flowing across your property.
  

Many subdivisions and planned developments have covenants that limit what you can and cannot do with the property. Sturgeon County only enforces covenants that are registered in the name of the County.

• Find out in advance if there are any covenants on the property. Contact the Alberta Land Titles office or any Alberta Registries office.
  
• Determine if there is a homeowners association responsible for restrictive covenants, open spaces, etc.
  Avoid any development related surprises.
  
• Review all environmental concerns on or adjacent to the property.
  
• Have the property surveyed by a licensed surveyor to ensure the property plan and property lines are accurate. Fences that separate properties can be misaligned with the property lines.
  
• Keep in mind that not all land in the county can be subdivided, depending on parcel density and size. Check with the Planning & Development department.