Planning Documents
The flow and framework of development in the MD
Aligning Development With our Broader Goals
Land use planning is focused on overall community development and the coordination of private development on private property to contribute to the broader economic, social, cultural and environmental goals of the MD.
Land use planning in Alberta must follow plans at both the provincial and municipal level of government. With the implementation of the Provincial Land Use Framework and the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, some planning decisions will be made at the regional level as well. Land use may also be subject to other federal and provincial regulations.
Hierarchy and Relationship of Planning Documents
Rural and urban planning in Alberta is composed of multiple plans that work together to define future goals. Development control measures are the tools municipalities in Alberta use to achieve those goals.
Planning at the Provincial Level
Municipal Government Act
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) is the legislative framework under which all municipalities and municipal entities across the Province of Alberta operate.
The MGA provides the governance structure for cities, towns, villages, municipal districts, specialized municipalities, and other forms of local government. The current MGA is one of Alberta’s largest pieces of legislation, containing 21 parts and more than 700 sections.
The MGA contains three major “themes” or areas of focus: governance; assessment & taxation; and planning & development.
Provincial Land Use Framework
The Government of Alberta's Land Use Framework sets out an approach to manage public and private lands and natural resources to achieve Alberta's long-term economic, environmental and social goals. It provides a blueprint for land-use management and decision-making that addresses Alberta's growth pressures.
This statutory document complements the province's water and air policies and Alberta's 2008 Climate Change Strategy.
Upper Athabasca Regional Plan
Status: Not Started
Developing the Upper Athabasca Regional Plan (UARP) is a phased approach that begins with gathering and assessing information, input and advice, followed by receiving feedback and drafting the regional plan, and ends with finalizing and approving the plan. Making and Amending Regional Plans offers more information about the planning process.
The regional plan sets out a new approach for managing our lands and natural resources to achieve our province's long-term environmental, economic and social goals. When a regional plan is approved by Cabinet, it becomes law.
Development of this plan will support land and natural resource management to achieve long-term economic, environmental and social goals.
Planning at the Municipal Level
Intermunicipal Development Plan(s)
Intermunicipal development plans (IDPs) are statutory land use plans prepared in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA) by two (or more) municipalities that share a common border. Created by neighbouring municipalities, an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a high-level policy plan designed to foster cooperation and integrated development near municipal boundaries so that unnecessary costs and negative impacts for the municipalities are avoided.
The principles and objectives established in the IDP guide the growth of future development by identifying general locations for major land uses and servicing. In addition to its value as a blueprint for future growth, IDPs provide a framework for dispute resolution in the event that any disagreements arise between municipalities on development.
Municipal Development Plan
In Alberta municipalities, the primary land use planning policy document is the Municipal Development Plan (MDP). It provides a framework for the ongoing development of the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124 (“the MD”). The MDP outlines a set of long term goals and policies to guide the planning and coordination of development and subdivision in the MD.
Area Structure Plans
Area Structure Plans (ASPs) are documents that have been approved by Council as bylaws. They provide a framework that articulates proposed land uses; population densities; sequence of development; general location of major roadways; public utilities in the area; and any additional requirements that the Council may require.
An ASP is the first step in obtaining planning approval for a new community. MD planning staff work with stakeholders like community residents, landowners and developers to create these long-range documents.
For further information and assistance with ASPs, please contact the Planning & Development department.
Land Use Bylaw
The Land Use Bylaw (LUB) is a municipal planning tool (i.e. the “rule book”) used by the MD to regulate all land uses and buildings within the municipality. It is one of the MD’s tools to implement the goals, objectives and policies of other MD documents, such as the Municipal Development Plan, which sets the long-term framework for growth and development.
The LUB works by dividing the municipality into districts to direct where residential, commercial, industrial and community uses may be located as well as the standards associated with their development.
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