MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The county's municipal planning commission (MPC) has approved a development permit for the expansion of an existing business in the rural community of Jackson to include two cabins for rental.
The move came by way of motion at the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting. The MPC is the municipality’s approving authority, made up of county councillors and appointed public members.
The property is located approximately one kilometre north of Highway 580 on the east side of Rge. Rd. 23, at NW 3-30-2-5.
The permit is for business, agri-tourism - expansion to existing business and setback relations for existing accessory buildings.
The $70,00 expansion includes one 192-square foot building, one 96-square foot building, two cabins of 199 square feet each, one common use building of 240 square feet, and one commercial kitchen building of 384 square feet.
“Two cabins are included (in the application) to allow for overnight farm stays, seasonally, seven days a week,” administration said in a briefing note to the commission. “The cabins are based on double occupancy with two guests per cabin and a maximum of four guest total at any one time.
“The cabins have electrical power but do not include a washroom or kitchen. There is a propane barbecue for use by cabin guests for cooking and fresh meats, eggs, fruit and vegetables are available onsite for purchase.”
The application includes an additional accessory building identified as a common use building, which will be in close proximity to the cabins and will provide a common area with electricity, water and washroom facility for use by cabin guests, members heard.
“Cabins are to be rented by members of the same group and will not have two different groups renting at the same time.”
The commercial kitchen building will include food sales, food preparation and cooking/food preparation classes, which will occur any day of the week, depending on demand, members heard.
The development permit application was circulated to adjacent landowners and no letters of concern were received.
Commission members did not have any questions for the applicant or administration.
Administration supported the application, saying the expansion of the business, agri-tourism allows for low intensity agricultural diversification.
The approval comes with a number of conditions, including that the Safety Codes of Alberta requirements regarding electrical, gas, plumbing and private sewage be maintained.
