The Town received plenty of feedback since the initial draft Land Use Bylaw was released in November 2020. Comments received through an online survey, stakeholder meetings, calls, and emails were considered, as well as a more detailed technical and legal review.
A number of key changes were included in the final version, with the overall document being true to the guiding principles of being user-friendly, implementing the new Municipal Development Plan, and being highly visual with clear requirements.
The main changes include the following:
- Changes to Aerodrome Overlay to limit requirements to noise considerations as height considerations are managed separately
- Adjustments to use terminology and provisions surrounding temporary development, including the clarification of ‘pop-up’ businesses
- Clarification of residential densities within all districts that allow residential dwelling units
- Removal of unnecessary or unclear requirements that do not directly support the guiding principles of the Land Use Bylaw or where specific requirements are better suited to be in other guiding documents, such as some residential architectural requirements
- Adjustments to the minimum lot widths, zero lot line side yard, maximum lot coverage requirements in the Traditional Neighbourhood District
- Reduction and simplification of the Frontage Standards used throughout the bylaw, including flexibility of tree placement and front yard fences
- Allowance for Deer Deterrent Fencing in residential districts
- Removal of residential focused guidance in the General Commercial District and increased development flexibility
- Clarification of signage provision, including guidance on where temporary signs are permissible
- Updating and clarifying of language for administration of the bylaw to ensure a consistent interpretation of the requirements, including transitional provisions for Direct Control Districts
