The County of Stettler Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) approved a subdivision that allows a farm building to be added to an existing parcel. The decision was made at the regular MPC meeting July 24.
The MPC is comprised of members of county council and chaired by Coun. James Nibourg.
Director of Planning and Development Craig Teal presented board members with an application from Peter and Marcia Penner to subdivide a roughly 2.3 acre parcel of land located at SW-32-35-19-W4M and consolidate it with an existing 10.9 acre parcel which was described at the meeting as Plan 102 0711.
“The subject property is located 4.5 km east of the Village of Big Valley,” stated the planner’s report. “The subject property abuts Township Road 35-5A to the south. The terrain of the property can be described as rolling pasture and cropland with some treed and wetland areas.
“The proposed 2.3 acre parcel contains an existing farm building and would be consolidated with Plan 102 0711 which contains an existing country residence. The remainder of the SW 32 is used as pasture and cropland.”
During his presentation Teal confirmed the subdivision request meets the county’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP) requirements. “MDP policy stipulates the preferred maximum size of a farmstead parcel shall be determined by the size of the minimum area required to include features such as access, viable buildings, shelter belts, and water wells,” stated the report. “In this case, the farmstead building, features and access can be accommodated within approximately 2.3 acres.”
He noted referral agencies were contacted regarding this application and no objections were received.
He pointed out, though, that the two parcels, the 2.3 and the 10.9, have different zonings which, if the subdivision was approved, would have to be resolved.
“Administration notes that Plan 102 0711 has a zoning of country residence agricultural district (CRA), which the subject parcel is proposed to be consolidated with,” stated the planner’s report. “A land use bylaw (LUB) amendment is underway to re-district Plan 102 0711 to the agricultural (A) district to ensure the same district applies to all the land.”
It was noted the LUB bylaw amendment, or re-zoning, would be handled the usual way, including a public hearing at a later date.
As well, calculations by county staff noted that municipal reserves required by the Municipal Government Act should add up to about $556; readers should note that municipal reserves (MR) can be property or cash set aside to cover later features that development may require, such as parks or schools.
Teal stated since there are no new buildings being added and no new traffic county staff had no concerns about access, which should already be adequate.
During discussion it was pointed out an acreage exists in the southwest corner of the quarter section.
Teal noted that staff found the application met all requirements and recommended it be approved with standard conditions.
The board unanimously approved the subdivision.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
