Subdivision & Development Appeal Board (SDAB)

The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) is a quasi-judicial board established under the Municipal Government Act of the Province of Alberta and the Town's Subdivision Development and Appeal Board Bylaw . The SDAB hears appeals from persons affected by a decision of the Development Authority and/or the Subdivision Authority under the Land Use Bylaw and renders a decision based on the evidence presented at the hearing.

Hearings are held on an as required basis and must be held within 30 days of the receipt of an appeal.

The SDAB is independent from the Town of Westlock and is comprised of Westlock residents (citizen members) and Town councilors appointed by Council.

An appeal can be filed on a decision of the Subdivision Authority concerning a subdivision application, a decision of the Development Authority concerning a development permit application, or a stop order issued by the Development Authority. 

For development permits, a discretionary use or a permitted use with a variance can be appealed by any person affected by the decision.  A permitted use may only be appealed by the applicant (against one or more of the conditions placed on the approval) or by those affected if it is believed the Land Use Bylaw was misinterpreted.  Refusals or deemed refusals can be appealed by the applicant.

For subdivisions, only the applicant or government agencies circulated during the approval process have appeal rights.

Appeal rights are set in the Municipal Government Act.

Do you have questions on the decision that was made? You may contact the approving authority and ask questions on the development or subdivision that you may be appealing.

When you are ready to file an appeal, you will need to:

1. Complete the Notice of Appeal form and provide reasons as to why you are appealing.
2. Submit the appeal form and payment within 21 days of the date of the decision being appealed to the Secretary of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
3. Forms and payment can be submitted in person or by mail to the Town Office (10003 106 Street, Westlock, AB  T7P 2K3), or by email to info@westlock.ca.  Our payment methods can be found on our Pay For page.

Please note:

• If you mail the appeal documentation, it must be received on or before the final date of the appeal period.
• Your appeal is not considered to be filed until payment is received in full. A delay in making payment can result in the expiration of the appeal period. Appeals will be processed during regular business hours.

Once an appeal is filed it will be scheduled for a hearing within 30 days.  At least 5 days' notice of the hearing will be given to those persons specified in the Municipal Government Act.  

All appeals are advertised and any party who feels they will be affected by the proposed development has the right to appear before the Board and explain why they are affected. The Board will then make a determination as to whether that person is an “affected person” with respect to the proposed development.

In accordance with the Municipal Government Act, the SDAB will give its decision in writing together with reasons for the decision within 15 days after concluding the hearing.