Approaches

An approach is the access between a property line and the adjacent roadway. Parkland County manages property access to ensure all approaches are constructed safely and meet current standards.

All approach construction requires an approved application before work begins:

Approach Application

Applying to Build or Modify an Approach

An approach application is required when constructing, modifying, replacing, or adding access to a roadway. The application process includes:

  • Submitting an approach application for approval
  • Constructing the approach in accordance with approved plans
  • Inspection and accepted construction completion

Once construction is completed and accepted, a one-year warranty period applies. For application support or clarification, please contact an Engineering Officer. Completed applications can be emailed to lde@parklandcounty.com.

Policy and Design Standards

Approaches in Parkland County are governed by Policy C-EN10 Property Access Approaches and the County's Engineering Design Standards. This policy outlines:

  • General criteria for access requests
  • Asphalt apron requirements
  • Application procedures
  • Enforcement requirements

Approaches that do not comply with Policy C-EN10 may be subject to enforcement or removal.

Related documents:

Fees

Fees associated with approach applications and approvals are established by Parkland County.

  • View all current fees on the Fees and Charges page
  • Fees specific to Policy C-EN10 are listed below

Approach Fees/Deposits

Fee/Charge

Refundable Deposit

              Non-Refundable Application Fee:

 

 

Oil and Gas Facility Existing Access Permit (AD-012-P)

$250.00

 

Urban Laneway Approach 

$250.00

$1,000.00

Residential 

 

(Residential/Bareland Recreational)

 

Includes application review and two site visits (preliminary and final inspection)

$400.00

$2,500 gravel road

 

 

 

$5,000 paved road

Non-Residential

(Commercial/Industrial/Institutional)

$400.00

$10,000 all surfaces

Field

$400.00

$2,500 gravel road

 

$5,000 paved road

Additional Inspections

$150.00/inspection

 

Appeal Fee (non-refundable)

$500.00

 

                        Refundable Security Deposits:

 

 

Residential and Field Approaches with Adjacent Gravel Roadways

$2,500.00

 

Residential and Field Approaches with Adjacent Paved Roadways

$5,000.00

 

Commercial Approaches

$10,000.00

 

FAQs

Yes, Parkland County requires that any work to a new or existing approach requires approval from Land Development Engineering (LDE). Please reach out to LDE as there are some situations that may not be applicable.

It's not advised to construct an approach in colder weather but Land Development Engineering (LDE) will accept approach applications during off peak construction months. For the safety of our staff, LDE will not complete inspections during poor weather conditions. This may prolong the period which an approach security is held by Parkland County.

Policy C-EN10 Property Access Approaches maintains that only one approach per property is allowed.

The deposit ensures adherence to Parkland County Engineering Design Standards and that all construction requirements are fulfilled.  

Yes. The approach must meet or exceed current Parkland County Engineering Design Standards. If there is a removal, the County right of way must be restored, which includes landscape restoration and drainage management.  

Parkland County retains the approach securities until the one-year warranty has passed and a final inspection has been approved by a Parkland County Engineering Officer.

Policy C-EN10 Property Access Approaches addresses non-conformance penalties.  

No, the County does not supply culverts. 

It is possible to use an old culvert. It depends on the condition and structural integrity of the culvert. Contact Land Development Engineering at 780-968-8888 or send us an email at lde@parklandcounty.com to have the existing culvert evaluated. 

Contact Land Development Engineering at 780-968-8888 or lde@parklandcounty.com to schedule an inspection.

Smaller culverts are not permitted - properly sized culverts ensure performance during peak flows. A larger culvert can be used if it is approved by the County. 

Use of farm equipment requires a wider approach. 

This is to ensure safety. Parkland County follows the sight line distance and headlight guidelines as per the Alberta Transportation Geometric Design Guide for approach placement along roadways.  

Rip rap rock is a protective covering consisting of hand laid or randomly deposited rock which is placed around the culvert inlets, culvert outlets and along back slopes and ditches to prevent erosion. Rip rap rock shall extend one (1) metre beyond both culvert ends and wrap around the top of the culvert. Rip rap rock may be required at other locations as directed to help reduce soil erosion.

Rip rap shall consist of sound durable stone or pit run gravel. We require rip rap material combination of a minimum diameter 100 mm (4") and at least 50% having the minimum diameter of 200 mm (8").

Minimum required depth of cover is 0.50-m (20 inches) of approved granular material compacted with 150 to 200 mm of gravel surface finish/ asphalt surface depth to match existing road structure Typical asphalt depth is 100 -mm (4 inches) or 125-mm (6 inches). 

Contact Us

Parkland County Centre
53109A HWY 779, Parkland County, AB T7Z 1R1

General Office: 780-968-8888
Toll Free: 1-888-880-0858
After hours: 780-968-8400
Email: hello@parklandcounty.com

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