Topic 4 - Subdivision and Development Policies

Why are we asking for your feedback on our subdivision and development policies?

Subdivision and development are important parts of the County’s growth strategies. We want to ensure that when our approval authorities (Council and staff) are considering applications for planning and development, that they have the best information available to make well-informed decisions.

Our goal is to implement a comprehensive policy framework to address various land use needs in the County. We also want to manage things like: land, title ownership, infrastructure needs, agriculture and the environment as they relate to development.

The County has created subdivision policies to ensure that our land use and growth strategies are being met, while minimizing land use conflicts. For example, keeping agricultural land from being fragmented is a priority for Lethbridge County.

Subdivision and development policies you can review and provide feedback on include:

• Suitability of the land (does the proposed use fit in with the area and are there any constraints?):
  • Maintaining setbacks (i.e. to Confined Feeding Operations, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, abandoned and active well sites, wetlands and historical resources)
  • Soil suitability
  • Access (physical and legal access is required to a subdivision/development)
• Ensuring appropriate zoning for the proposed use
• Impact to adjacent landowners
• Compliance with other planning documents (i.e. provincial regional plans and intermunicipal development plans)
• Requirements for larger developments (Area Structure Plans and Conceptual Design Schemes)
• Subdivision of land:
  • Limitations within the Rural Agriculture and Urban Fringe Districts
  • Minimum parcel size
  • Process for decision making
  • Conditions of a subdivision approval
  • Municipal, School, and Environmental Reserves

To review the current MDP, click on the link under the "Documents" tab on the right side of this page.