Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Town of Peace River administration has been working on a Land-Use Bylaw (LUB) refresh, and recently presented it to council for its approval on July 14 after years of restructuring.
“The work on the LUB was started in 2018 and has proceeded as time allowed,” explains Mayor Elaine Manzer.
“Since then, we’ve had public engagements, surveys and several discussions about the draft and the proposed changes. So, a draft is now ready for more formal discussion and the passing of first reading allows it to proceed to a public hearing,” Manzer adds.
The overhaul of the LUB was timely, says Manzer, who adds the current LUB was approved and adopted on Oct. 9, 2012. Council has regularly amended the bylaw to address issues or specific landowner applications.
Manzer adds administration had identified many issues, inconsistencies and opportunities for improvement to the bylaw that required a complete overhaul.
“The new LUB is intended to recognize some changes in districts to make it easier for everyone to use for development and planning,” says Manzer.
“It includes several changes to when building permits are required as well it reduces the number of residential districts to six, allows secondary suites in most residential districts depending upon the type of lot, reduces the parking spaces needed for many developments, indicates that one container is allowed in the downtown area for some businesses, indicates the landscaping requirements for new residential construction, and so much more.”
Land-Use Bylaws regulate where and how land is used and developed in the municipality. The bylaw establishes roles and responsibilities for development authorities, details on application processes, circumstances where a permit is not required, regulations on all developments, specific types of developments, regulations relating to specific districts’ setback requirements and more.
Manzer says council passed first reading at its regular meeting and will be hosting a public hearing on Aug. 11 at 5 p.m. in council chambers. She adds the public can express opinions of the LUB before second and third reading.