SDAB appeal services
Appealing a decision, responding to an appeal of your permit, or concerned about a development near you? We help you understand the appeal, prepare your position and, if you want, represent your planning case before the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
When people call us
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) is the local board that hears appeals of development permit and subdivision decisions. Hearings move fast, and the Board decides on planning grounds: the land use bylaw, the evidence and the impacts, not personal objections or opinions.
Your development permit was refused, or approved with conditions you can't accept.
A neighbour or another party appealed the permit you were issued.
You received notice of a development near your property and want to understand your options.
You have a hearing date and need to prepare quickly.
Four ways to work with us
Start with a one‑hour consultation, or go straight to a package. Each option has a clear scope and fee, so you know exactly what you get.
$250 plus GST
60‑minute consultation.
For people considering an appeal, already appealing, or responding to another party's appeal.
Book a consultationComplete the short form, then book and pay online.
$870plus GST
Appeal Guidance: We advise. You prepare and present.
Professional planning guidance to help you understand your appeal and prepare your own case.
$1,670plus GST
Appeal Preparation: We prepare you.
We assist you in preparing your case and provide the planning expertise, structure and guidance.
Custom quotebased on the complexity of your appeal
Full Appeal Representation: We lead your case.
For appeals where you want us to prepare the submission, attend the hearing or represent your planning case before the Board.
Third‑party studies and legal services are not included unless separately arranged.
Choose Represent MeSide by side
| Service | Appeal Consultation | Guide Me | Prepare Me | Represent Me |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | $250 + GST | $870 + GST | $1,670 + GST | Custom quote |
| Meetings | One, 60 minutes | One 1‑hour meeting | 2 meetings | As scoped |
| Review of your documents | No | Hearing package and regulations | Hearing package and regulations | As scoped |
| Questions to build your argument | No | Yes | Yes | As scoped |
| Written meeting summary | No | Yes | Yes | As scoped |
| Conversations before the hearing | No | As needed | As needed | As scoped |
| Submission outline | No | No | Yes | As scoped |
| Review of your draft report and presentation | No | No | 1 | As scoped |
| Submission prepared by us | No | No | No | If scoped |
| Who presents | You | You | You | We do, if scoped |
Extra meetings, document reviews, site visits, drawings, specialist studies and extra hearing days are available as add‑ons, priced before any work starts.
Track record
Our planners have taken part in more than 50 published Subdivision and Development Appeal Board decisions in Calgary and Edmonton, on garages, decks, secondary and garage suites, height and parking variances, and child care in homes.
Refused by the city. Approved on appeal with front setback and eave relaxations.
Refused by the city. Height variances granted on appeal: large lot, generous setbacks and mature trees meant no undue impact.
Refused by the city. Approved on appeal with a drop‑off variance.
Refused by the city. Approved on appeal: the parking was found to be protected as non‑conforming.
A neighbour appealed months after the 21‑day deadline. We defended the permit and the appeal was dismissed.
How it works
Complete the short form below. Attach the decision and any documents you have, and include your hearing date if you know it.
Pick a time online for your Appeal Consultation or the first meeting of your package, then pay to confirm.
After your first meeting, we both decide whether to continue. No other fee is charged unless we both agree to proceed.
Why Permit Masters
Get started
Complete this form first. Next, you'll book and pay for your consultation online. If your hearing is soon, call us at 403-775-7576.
