The dream of building a custom home on a sprawling acreage near Calgary is one shared by many Albertans. The thought of waking up to mountain views and breathing fresh country air is undeniably appealing. However, building on acreage in Calgary requires careful planning and expertise. Every decision matters, from selecting the right piece of land to securing rural land permits in Calgary.
At Sunset Homes, we specialize in helping homeowners bring their acreage dreams to life. This blog will cover the key considerations for building on acreage in Calgary, including land selection, permits, zoning, and custom design.
Understanding Acreage Living Around Calgary
So, what exactly qualifies as “acreage” living? Generally, it refers to properties outside the city limits, often in Foothills County, Rocky View County, Bearspaw, or Springbank. These properties offer a lifestyle of space, tranquility, and proximity to nature.
Acreage living appeals to families looking for more room to grow, professionals seeking a peaceful escape, and hobbyists needing space for animals, gardens, or outbuildings.
Finding and Evaluating Acreage Land
Choosing the right land is the foundation of your future home. When considering rural properties, it’s crucial to evaluate:
- Proximity to Calgary or Nearby Towns: How long is the commute? Are schools, healthcare, and shopping easily accessible?
- Utilities: Rural land may not have access to city services. You’ll need to assess options for water, septic systems, gas and power.
- Access: Is the road paved or gravel? Will you need snow removal or grading services?
- Zoning Regulations: Zoning affects what you can build and where. For example, agricultural parcels may have different rules than country residential zones.
Work with a real estate agent who understands rural properties and their unique requirements. At Sunset Homes, we also offer land evaluation services to help ensure your dream lot is suitable for your goals.
Permits and Zoning Requirements
Building on acreage requires navigating a different set of rules compared to city lots. Rural municipalities like Rocky View and Foothills County have their land-use bylaws, which govern:
- Setbacks and Building Envelopes: These dictate how far your home must be from property lines, water sources, and other features.
- Environmental Assessments: In some areas, you may need a geotechnical or ecological review before building.
- Water and Septic Permits: You’ll need approvals for private water and wastewater systems.
- Land-Use Re-Designation: If applicable and if your intended use doesn’t match current zoning, you may need a re-zoning application.
Working with an experienced Calgary acreage builder like Sunset Homes makes a big difference. We know the ins and outs of building permits in Alberta and help our clients streamline the process.
Custom Home Design for Acreage Properties
Designing for acreage is all about embracing the land. Unlike suburban lots, acreage properties allow for expansive floor plans, outbuildings, and creative site placement.
Key design considerations for custom homes in Calgary include:
- Home Orientation: Position your home to take advantage of natural light and panoramic views.
- Functional Layout: Include mudrooms, larger garages, and flex spaces for workshops, gyms, or home offices.
- Sustainability: Acreage homes can reduce long-term costs by using solar panels, geothermal systems, and high-efficiency insulation.
- Architectural Style: From modern farmhouse to rustic mountain lodge, your acreage home design can reflect your unique taste and lifestyle.
How Sunset Homes Can Help
As a trusted Calgary acreage builder, Sunset Homes offers a full-service experience tailored to rural builds. We help clients:
- Evaluate and select the right land.
- Navigate acreage zoning regulations and permitting.
- Design custom homes that reflect the landscape and lifestyle.
- Perform energy modeling and sunpath to take advantage of natural light and heating and cooling.
- Build high-quality, energy-efficient residences with room to grow.
With a proven portfolio of acreage homes, we’re proud to bring vision and craftsmanship together for every client.
Ready to Build Your Acreage Dream?
Building on acreage in Calgary comes with unique challenges and incredible rewards. At Sunset Homes, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Explore our Acreage gallery and contact us for a consultation.
