Overview of Foothills County Land Use Bylaw
When purchasing property in Foothills County, Alberta, it is essential to consider the local land use regulations. The Foothills County Land Use Bylaw governs the zoning and development of properties, including residential, agricultural, and commercial uses.
Development Requirements
- Maximum Lot Coverage: No building or group of buildings, including accessory buildings, shall cover more than 60% of the lot area.
- Maximum Dwelling Unit Density: For parcels under 80 acres, a maximum of one single-family dwelling and one secondary suite or temporary dwelling is allowed. For parcels 80 acres or larger, up to two dwellings are permitted.
- Minimum Yard Setbacks: Vary by location, with front yard setbacks ranging from 15m to 70m, depending on proximity to roads and highways.
- Maximum Height of Structures: Principal buildings have a height limit of 12m (39.37 ft.), while accessory buildings are limited to 10.67m (35 ft.).
Development Permit Process
Before any construction or development, a Development Permit must be obtained from Foothills County. This process ensures that the proposed development complies with the county's land use regulations, zoning laws, and other policies. Depending on the scale of the project, you may also need to submit site plans, environmental assessments, or additional documentation.
Permitted and Discretionary Uses
In Foothills County, properties can be used for "permitted" or "discretionary" uses. Permitted uses are automatically approved if they meet the county's guidelines, while discretionary uses require further review and approval by the county. Ensure you understand which category your desired use falls into before proceeding with your development.
Setbacks and Parcel Sizes
The setback requirements for buildings vary by land use district. For example, residential properties generally have a front yard setback ranging from 15m to 70m, and the rear yard setback is usually at least 7.5m. Additionally, parcel sizes must meet specific minimum requirements depending on the land use district. For example, the minimum lot size for agricultural land is typically 8 hectares.
Non-Conforming Uses
Foothills County allows non-conforming uses to continue under certain conditions. However, if the non-conforming use is discontinued for 6 consecutive months or more, the property must conform to the current land use bylaws. Additionally, significant alterations or expansion of non-conforming buildings may require a special permit.
Overlay Districts
Foothills County designates certain areas as overlay districts, which impose additional regulations on top of the standard zoning laws. For example, the Flood Hazard Overlay District applies to areas vulnerable to flooding, and extra precautions must be taken when developing land in these areas. Always verify if your property is within an overlay district before planning any development.
Environmental Protection Areas
If your property is located in an environmentally significant area, special environmental protection regulations may apply. These can include restrictions on land grading, water use, and other development activities that could impact local ecosystems. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be required for certain developments in these areas.
