Building without a permit could cost you more than you think

The National Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) is seeing a concerning trend: unauthorized construction at confined feeding operations has increased significantly.

Complaints have increased by approximately 32 per cent from 2024, and enforcement actions have jumped by about 125 per cent.

Under Alberta’s Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), it is illegal to begin construction of a confined feeding operation, manure storage facility (such as an earthen manure storage or manure lagoon), or a manure collection area (such as a barn floor, feedlot pen, or catch basin) without first obtaining the required NRCB permits.

Constructing before your permit application has been approved or building something different than stated in your permit are both also considered unauthorized construction.

Constructing without a permit is a serious offence.

Consequences can include:

• Enforcement orders
• Prosecution
• Additional costs, such as depopulating livestock from unpermitted facilities

Financial institutions are also asking for NRCB documentation before approving financing. If you have started building before getting a permit from the NRCB your financing may be delayed or denied.

The NRCB wants to help you avoid these consequences — consult with an NRCB approval officer or inspector before starting any construction.

NRCB Field Offices

Morinville: 780-939-1212

Red Deer/Airdrie: 403-340-5241

Lethbridge: 403-381-5166

This was first published in Volume 6 Issue 1 of ABP Magazine (February 2026). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.