DIDSBURY - Council has approved a new standard development agreement policy, outlining updated rules that developers may need to follow when considering projects in Didsbury.
The move came by way of motion at a recent, regularly-scheduled council meeting.
“I think it is important that we recognize that this is a red-tape reduction and this is significantly clearer as to what we are expecting in this agreement,” said Coun. Bill Windsor. “I’m in full support of this policy.”
The policy is a tool allowing the planning and development department in communicating to developers that there be an expectation to enter into a development agreement when deemed necessary, said deputy mayor Curt Engel.
The agreements are developed in a flexible manner to accommodate the requirements of both the town and the developer, he said.
The policy provides definitions and principals that related to standard development agreements. He said the process allows for consistency with the town’s overarching planning bylaws: the municipal development plan and the land use bylaw.
Under the policy, “the standard development agreement shall for the basis for discussions with the developer and any or all the requirements of the standard development agreement may be increased, decreased or deleted.
“Where the town considers that a development is of a nature that requires special considerations, requirements in addition to those outlined by the standard development agreement may be applied.
“The standard development agreement shall form the basis of the development agreement required as a condition of a development permit approved by the municipal planning commission, the development appeal board or the development officer.”
Under the policy, a development agreement is now defined as an agreement “between a developer and the town that sets out the terms and conditions under the development of the lands is to take place, including responsibility to construction public facilities and associated financial obligations.
“Minister development agreements mean a development agreement required under the terms of a development permit approved by the municipal planning commission, development appeal board, or the development officer.”
After approving Plan 001-24, council also carried a motion rescinding the previous standard development agreement policy.
Road Closure Policy updated
During the council meeting, council also approved an updated Road Closure Policy for the municipality.
The policy was updated the direction of council and now includes the principle that, “The temporary closure of town roads is under the direction and authority of council unless otherwise allowed for under relevant statures or bylaws.”
The policy allows the chief administrative officer or designate to “approve a temporary road closure request that has minimal public impact to faculty the timely construction, repair, development or maintenance of a road, public utility or new construction projects.”
The policy also requires notice of all road closure notices to be forwarded to various community organizations and departments, including local radio stations and newspapers, as well as Didsbury RCMP and Didsbury Fire Department.
