Here you will find various planning and policy documents including statutory plans, standards, and other publications that guide the decision-making process when dealing with development-related applications in the County.
The Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA) guides the Alberta Land Use Framework (LUF) which establishes a regional planning approach to manage land and natural resources in the province. The Framework was released in December 2008 and sets out seven land-use regions.
The County is located within the Lower Peace Region. The LUF outlines provincial land-use objectives and the responsibilities of various entities, including the Stewardship Minister, Stewardship Commissioner, Land-use Secretariat, and Regional Advisory Councils Area Concept Plans.
Area Concept Plans
The Weberville Highway Corridor Area Concept Plan (ACP) is a non-statutory land use plan that provides a comprehensive planning policy framework and generalized future land use concept for a large area between Highway 986 and the Town of Peace River along Highway 743. Although the ACP is not a statutory planning document, this plan provides guidance for the development of future Area Structure Plans (ASP), and to Council and administration in reviewing future zoning, subdivision, and development proposals. A non-statutory plan is passed by a resolution of Council.
Outline Plans
In addition to ACPs, the County of Northern Lights also uses other non-statutory plans, such as Outline Plans (OP) when beginning to consider land use plans and detailed transportation and servicing concepts for future subdivision and development of land.
In order to promote efficient and organized land development, the Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires that lands within a municipality be developed according to specific plans. These plans, known as Area Structure Plans (ASP), identify where various facilities such as residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and/or parks will be located, as well as the necessary infrastructure, including water, stormwater, sewer systems, roads, schools, parks, and fire protection services.
Additionally, ASPs outline the expected population density of the area and how development will be phased over time. Thus, through ASPs, the policies of the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) are put into action.
An Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a Statutory Plan that is mandated by the legislative authority prescribed in Section 631 of the Municipal Government Act. The law requires that two or more municipalities that share common boundaries but are not members of a growth region, according to section 708.01, must pass a bylaw in accordance with this Part or in accordance with sections 12 and 692 to adopt an intermunicipal development plan.
The purpose of the IDP is to create opportunities for collaboration and communication between the municipalities, and establish policy direction and processes to address intermunicipal issues.
The County of Northern Lights has established Intermunicipal Development Plans with the MD of Peace No. 135, Town of Manning, and the Town of Peace River.
Land Use Bylaw
In Alberta, every municipality is required to have a Land Use Bylaw (LUB) in place under the Municipal Government Act. The LUB divides the county into specific land use districts, or zones, and outlines the regulations for development in each district. The LUB also establishes provisions for site development, including building height and yard setbacks, and sets up a system for amending the bylaw and issuing development approvals. Additionally, the LUB puts into action the policies of various plans, including IDPs, MDPs, ASPs, ACPs, and OPs.
If you are considering constructing a building, starting a business, changing land use, renovating or redeveloping a property, erecting a sign, or establishing a secondary suite, the Land Use Bylaw is an essential guide that outlines the rules and regulations you need to follow.
View Unconsolidated Land Use Bylaw Amendments
Land Use Bylaw Amendment
If you're planning to develop a site in a way that doesn't conform to current land use bylaws or development regulations, you must submit a Bylaw Amendment application to amend the Land Use Bylaw. Land Use Bylaw amendment requires three readings by the Council and a public hearing.
The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) for the County of Northern Lights is a comprehensive policy document that serves as a guide for future land use within the County's municipal boundaries. The MDP encompasses various policies that focus on agriculture, residential development, commerce and industry, natural areas, transportation and servicing, hamlets and rural settlements, inter-municipal relations, and crown land.
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) provides a framework for responsible land use, orderly and beneficial development, and maintenance of the physical environment in the County. The Council may establish development policies and statutory plans, including Intermunicipal Development Plans, Municipal Development Plans, Area Structure Plans, and Area Redevelopment Plans.
These plans identify where to build homes, businesses, schools, parks, roads, and utilities, and require three readings and a public hearing before adoption. Council, administration, and the Peace Regional Subdivision and Development Board (SDAB) must consider statutory plans when making decisions on plan approvals, amendments, subdivisions, and development permits.
A Roadside Development Permit from the Government of Alberta is required for new or changes to roadside developments within the control zone. The Control zone is 300 metres from a provincial right-of-way and 800 metres from the centreline of a highway and public road intersection.
Roadside development permit information and application can be found on the Government of Alberta website.
The Subdivision and Development Regulation is a comprehensive guide to the application process for subdivisions, including information on where to submit these applications. The regulation also outlines specific conditions and setback requirements for development permits, such as those related to sour gas facilities, oil and gas wells, wastewater treatment facilities, landfills, waste sites, and highways. Additionally, the regulation covers the training necessary for subdivision and development appeal board clerks and members.