The Municipal Government Act, Part 17, provides that anyone may appeal a decision of the Development Authority by paying the required fee and providing reasons for the appeal in writing. For further information please contact Pam Elliott at the County office at 362-3266.
All construction and/or changes in use may require a Development Permit. This requirement applies to new and moved-in dwellings, garages, additions, and decks. A development undertaken prior to a Development Permit taking effect is illegal under the Land Use Bylaw.
A fence does not require a permit, as long as it meets setback requirements.
Farm buildings constructed solely for agricultural purposes do not require a permit, subject to meeting set-back requirements and construction standards of the respective land use district.
All development occurring adjacent to a numbered highway (i.e. 542, 873, etc.) may require the approval of Alberta Transportation with a Roadside Development Permit.
Notice that an application has been submitted for a Discretionary Use Development Permit are mailed and/or emailed to adjacent landowners, referral agencies, adjacent municipalities (where applicable), and other County departments.
Under the MGA, notifications must occur at least 7 days prior to the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) meeting where the application will be reviewed. Typically 5 days are allowed for the notice to reach the person(s) being notified, 2 days for them to read the notice and 5 days to provide a response. Anyone objection to the development must provide the objection in writing to the Planning and Development department prior to the MPC meeting where the application will be reviewed. In addition, those objecting to the application may attend the MPC meeting to speak to the application and voice their concerns.
The applicant or anyone else who objects to the decision may appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). The appeal must be made in writing, with the applicable fee, to the Planning and Development department within 14 days of the date the decision was made by MPC.
Notices that an application has been submitted for a Subdivision Application are sent to adjacent landowners, referral agencies listed, adjacent municipalities (where applicable) and County departments.
These notifications must occur at least 7 days prior to the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) meeting where the application will be heard. Again, 5 days are allowed for the notice to reach the person(s) being notified, 2 days for them to read the notice and 5 days to provide a response. Anyone objection to the development must provide the objection in writing to the Planning and Development department prior to the MPC meeting where the application will be reviewed.
Notice that a decision has been reached about a Subdivision Application is sent only to the applicant.
None of the adjacent landowners or referral agencies are notified because they do not have the right of appeal.
The applicant may appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). The appeal must be made in writing, with the applicable fee, to the Planning and Development department within 14 days of the date the decision was made by MPC.
After 1st Reading has been provided for the Bylaw Amendment, notices that an application has been submitted for a Land Use Amendment are sent to adjacent landowners, referral agencies, adjacent municipalities (where applicable) and County departments.
A Land Use Bylaw amendment must follow the bylaw amendment process outlined in the Municipal Government Act. After the amendment bylaw and supporting documentation is prepared, a Public Hearing is scheduled for Council to hear comments from the notices and circulations.
The Public Hearing must be advertised in the newspaper for 2 consecutive weeks prior to the meeting. It will also be advertised on the County website.
Public Hearings are open to the public. They are usually held at the first Council meeting of the month at 11:30 am. Once the Hearing is concluded, a motion may be made to provide 2nd Reading for the bylaw amendment. If approved, it moves on; if defeated, it’s done. Or, Council may request more information about the bylaw, so that it will be reviewed again at the next Council meeting.
The bylaw may also be given 3rd Reading at the same meeting. Conversely, Council may request more information or an amendment, whereby the document will be reviewed for 3rd Reading at the next Council meeting.
Once the amendment bylaw has been given 3rd Reading, it becomes part of the current Land Use Bylaw.
Notice that a decision has been reached about a Land Use Amendment is sent only to the applicant and the adjacent municipality, if applicable.
The decision of Council regarding the approval or refusal of the Land Use Bylaw amendment may not be appealed by anyone.
Examples of this type of plan include an Area Structure Plan (ASP), a Municipal Development Plan or an Intermunicipal Development Plan.
Using an ASP as an example, after 1st Reading has been provided for the ASP, notices that an application has been submitted for an ASP are sent to adjacent landowners, referral agencies, adjacent municipalities (where applicable) and County departments.
A Statutory Plan must be approved by bylaw and so must follow the bylaw approval process. After the bylaw and supporting documentation is prepared, a Public Hearing is scheduled for Council to hear comments from the notices and circulations.
The ASP bylaw may also be given 3rd Reading at the same meeting. Conversely, Council may request more information or an amendment, whereby the document will be reviewed for 3rd Reading at the next Council meeting.
Once the Area Structure Plan bylaw has been given 3rd Reading, it becomes a current bylaw. Any changes to the ASP must be done through the Bylaw Amendment process.
Notice that a decision has been reached about a Statutory Plan is sent only to the applicant and the adjacent municipality, if applicable.