The process to handle permit applications pertaining to Sundre's land use bylaw has been clarified and streamlined.
The purpose of the bylaw is to provide a clearer definition in regards to accessory buildings, daycares, home occupations and shipping containers as well as the districts in which they are permitted, Denica Crosbie, the town's planner, informed council during its Jan. 16 meeting.
Administrative staff is currently working on rewriting the land use bylaw, which is a lengthy process. In the meantime, "these amendments support the general purpose in the land use districts proposed and will give greater clarity to applicants applying for permits," she said.
After extensively advertising the proposed changes to the public, including a survey and open house, "no objections were received."
Mayor Terry Leslie said the last time the land use bylaw had been reviewed in its entirety was about 15 years ago, and that there had during that period of time been numerous changes in terms of provincial regulations.
"There's been some confusion because it hasn't been updated," he said about the bylaw.
"To hit the highlights in a nutshell, there are different levels of daycare and this bylaw will now recognize some of the provincial government regulation language," the mayor said, adding minor home occupation requests would also be easier for people to apply for.
Additionally, the municipality did not previously have a definition outlining the use of shipping containers, he said.
Council approved administration's proposed amendments to the land use bylaw.
"The existing bylaw should be much more clear," said Leslie.
