The current Land Sales Policy for residential lot purchases as well as a Sample Land Sales Agreement are both available online.
Visit our City i-Map to see which Residential Lots are available for sale.
Subdivision Development/Land Sales new offerings are also available on our website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND TERMS USED WHEN PURCHASING LAND:
"As is, Where is"
Residential land is sold on an "as is, where is" basis.
Servicing
The purchaser is responsible for servicing extensions and hook-up charges. Standard servicing is a one inch water line and four inch sanitary line with gas and electric from the nearest point of service. Contact the following for further information on utility servicing, charges and refuse collection:
Environmental Utilities
(water, sewer and solid waste) 403.529.8176
Gas Utility 403.529.8294
Electric Utility 403.529.8270
Utility Billing 403.529.8111
First Come, First Served Basis
Once lots have been offered to the public by a lottery type land sale, they are sold on a first come, first served basis.
Tax Adjustment
The tax adjustment date is the "Agreement For Sale" date.
Tree Vouchers
A Tree Voucher is available to home owners of New Residential Property zoned R1 or R2, located in City owned subdivisions. The value of the Tree Voucher is $200 and good for the purchase of a 6 to 8 foot tree(s). You may request a voucher by phoning 403.529.8148.
Permits
It is the responsibility of the purchaser to obtain a development permit, building permit, and other permits. These shall be obtained prior to commencement of construction. These permits shall be issued only after the full purchase price is paid. Information on the steps necessary to obtain permits, adherence to the Land Use Bylaw, and applicable building codes can be obtained from:
Planning and Building Services
City Hall,
580 First Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB
T1A 8E6
General Inquiries: 403.529.8208
Fax Line: 403.502.8038
pbe@medicinehat.ca
Elevations
Purchasers are responsible to adhere to the elevations as described on the grading slips.
Plan Book
Before purchasing a lot, purchasers are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the following information: easements, elevations, street lights, mailboxes, transformers, full basement requirement, setbacks (rear and front), and utility locations. This information is contained in the "Plan Book" available for viewing at the Land and Properties Department or by visiting the city i-Map.
Adjacent Zoning
Before purchasing a lot, owners are responsible for checking adjacent zoning. Please contact the Planning and Building Services Department at 403.529.8208
Property Pins
Location of property pins is a service provided by local Land Survey firms only.
Foundations
Foundations are to be constructed on undisturbed soil. Before purchasing a lot, owners are responsible for checking if a lot has a full basement (FB) requirement. Bearing certificates may be required on some lots.
Access
Before purchasing a lot, owners are responsible for checking for rear or side yard access, as some lots have front access only.
Off-site Levy Bylaw
Purchasers may be required to pay off-site levies when they obtain a development permit. To determine whether an off-site levy is payable a purchaser should contact the Planning and Building Services Department at 403.529.8208
Uniform Fence
A uniform rear fence will be installed by the City as instructed by the Planning Authority on lots backing onto roadways. After a uniform fence is constructed, it becomes the responsibility of the lot purchaser.
Utility Right of Ways (UROWs)
Owners are responsible to check UROWs locations on lots purchased, as no buildings or structures are permitted on such UROWs. Also, owners are responsible to check with the appropriate Utility Department to determine landscaping guidelines. If a UROWs occurs on the front of the property and access is only available from the front, it is imperative that a physical cut occurs in the cement driveway at the boundaries of the easement in case the utility is dug up. UROWs will be registered against all affected Certificates of Title prior to the Transfer of Land being completed.
Boulevard and Lane Maintenance
Purchasers are responsible for maintenance of boulevards and to the midpoint of the lane for such things as per Policy #0133 (Boulevard Development and Maintenance Policy).
Future Development of Municipal Reserve and Open Space
The City of Medicine Hat has set aside Municipal Reserve (MR) and Open Space as part of its overall park and open space system. Parks are intended to serve a variety of residents. As a result, the following facilities may be located in MR and open spaces: sports fields, dog runs, trails, swimming pools, playground equipment, etc. The City reserves the right to proceed with development at any time. Based on changing demographic and recreation needs, the amenities or facilities planned for this area may also change over time.
Encroachments
Encroachments onto City property (including UROWs, roads, lanes, parks, reserve land, and other titled land) are not permitted on new developments. Encroachments are considered to be buildings, landscaping, fences, retaining walls, etc. The City reserves the right to remove any unauthorized encroachments from City property and to charge the expense of the removal to the owner of the encroachment.
Park Access Permits
Residents, who require access to their backyards through a Municipal Reserve (MR) or Environmental Reserve (ER) for a one-time only situation, may submit a request to obtain a permit to the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Department. A permit may be issued for residents that cannot access their backyard through any other means for such things as hauling topsoil, planting trees, etc. The Parks and Outdoor Recreation Department reserves the right to deny any request for a permit. For further information, phone 403.529.8333