Bashaw town council heard that proposed changes to the ‘direct control’ (DC) zone for municipal planning will be pushed back. The discussion was held at the Dec. 11 regular meeting of council.
Town Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller presented the draft bylaw which was listed on the agenda to be considered for first reading. Fuller stated the draft bylaw also included every property in Bashaw currently zoned DC and proposals for each within the new bylaw; Fuller’s report noted there are currently 20 DC properties in Bashaw.
Readers should note DC zones essentially require hearings or changes be presented directly to town council for approval rather than a Municipal Planning Commission (MPC).
A different Alberta municipality explained DC use thusly: “A DC bylaw provides for development that, because of unique characteristics, unusual site conditions or innovative design, requires specific regulations unavailable in other land use districts.”
The CAO’s report to council stated, “These parcels have been designated as DC over time without corresponding written information incorporated into the land use bylaw (LUB) as to the specific allowable uses or development regulations for each parcel of land.
“A review of each DC parcel within the Town of Bashaw has been completed to determine whether a parcel is appropriate to remain as a DC district or whether a subject parcel would be more ideally suited within the existing general land use districts with the Town of Bashaw LUB.
“The draft bylaw outlines specific uses and regulations for the five parcels that will remain as DC.”
The memo also noted current DC zones may be changed to low density residential, general residential or central commercial.
As councillors examined the draft bylaw Fuller said, “I admit, it’s a lot.”
She pointed out town staff and a planning contractor went through each site individually, and noted a map of Bashaw was useful for reference.
However, Fuller pointed out Schedule A of the bylaw was missing a few components.
The CAO observed the bylaw will go through the required process, including first reading, public advertisement, public hearing and then consideration of second and third readings.
She then asked if councillors wished to conduct more public consultation before second and third reading, pointing out that this would be in addition to the required public hearing.
It was also noted that the town was required to notify property owners and neighbours in writing about this proposed bylaw, and considering the Canada Post strike that may require hand delivery by couriers.
As councillors discussed the draft bylaw there were a few comments about properties that are zoned DC which came as a surprise.
Councillors also voiced support for a public consultation to ensure the public is as well-notified as possible about the proposed changes.
Councillors agreed town staff would make changes to the draft bylaw and bring it back to a future meeting where public consultation would again be discussed.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
