Planning and Development

Land Use Bylaw

What is the Land Use Bylaw?

Land use in Yellowhead County is controlled by assigning each parcel of land to a specific Land Use District. There are over 40 land use districts and each district has a list of Uses that are permitted or prohibited in that district. These districts also have specific rules regulating the potential size, height and placement of buildings on the land. To find your Land Use District, find your property using the Land Use Bylaw Maps. To find out the allowed uses and regulations in a district, find that district within the Land Use Bylaw.

Land Use Bylaw Amendments

Land Use Bylaw Amendments Applications can be made if a landowner wants to change the Land Use District of their land. This is for landowners who want to develop something that is not allowed in their current Land Use District. All amendments to the Yellowhead County Land Use Bylaw need to be approved by a bylaw from the Yellowhead County Council.

FAQs

  • 1. How do I apply for a Land Use Bylaw Amendment?

    A Land Use Bylaw Amendment Application requires:

    • A completed application form.
    • Signatures of all Landowners.
    • A statement of the reasons for the request.
    • $400.00 Land Use Bylaw Amendment Application Fee
    • If the parcel in question is under an Area Structure Plan, an additional $1500.00 Area Structure Plan Amendment Fee.
    • A new Area Structure Plan or Area Redevelopment Plan may be required, at the discretion of the Development or Subdivision Authority.
    • Required testing, if the amendment is part of a subdivision application that will create six or more parcels within a quarter section of land.

  • 2. What happens after my application is received?

    • Referral letters are sent to various agencies for comment.
    • The application is presented to council for first reading.
    • If Council chooses to give first reading, a public hearing is scheduled.
    • A letter is sent to the applicant and all adjacent landowners regarding the date and time of the public hearing.
    • The public hearing is advertised in the local paper for two weeks prior to the date of the hearing.
    • Council will decide whether or not to give second and third reading based on the feedback from the public hearing and recommendations from administration.
    • After third reading, a letter will be written to the applicant and anyone else who attended the public hearing, notifying them of the approval. A copy of the signed bylaw will be sent with this notification.
    • If first, second or third reading does not take place, then the application is refused and the applicant will be notified in writing.

  • 3. I’m approved, can I start construction?

    No. An approved amendment still requires an approved development permit prior to beginning construction.

  • 4. My application was rejected, what are my options?

    There is no right-of-appeal for amendment applications under the Municipal Government Act. If an Area Structure Plan amendment is required but does not pass first reading,  a 50% refund will be provided to the applicant.

Bylaw Amendments:

Please contact the Planning Department for assistance.