The County of Newell's Planning and Development Department manages land- and development-related matters including development permits, construction permits, subdivision administration, land use amendments and planning for growth and future land use in the County. We are committed to responsible planning and sustainable development to ensure the continued growth of the region.
Land use planning in Alberta is subject to plans at both the provincial level and the municipal level of government. In addition, with the implementation of the provincial Land Use Framework and the Alberta Land Stewardship Act some planning decisions will be made at the regional level. Below is an outline of the various plans that affect development in the County, a description of the various levels of plans, and their hierarchy.
Province of Alberta
| PROVINCE OF ALBERTA Provincial Legislation and Regulations guide local governance and development. The Municipal Government Act (MGA) outlines the requirements for Statutory Plans and the Land Use Bylaw. |
Intermunicipal Plans
| INTERMUNICIPAL PLANS An Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a statutory plan developed between neighbouring municipalities that outlines mutually agreed upon objectives and policies for cooperation, coordination and development within a co-determined plan area. While indistinguishable under Provincial legislation there are effectively two-types: Rural/Urban IDPs which coordinate planning on the Rural Urban Fringe, and Rural/Rural IDPs between adjacent Municipal Districts. Rural/Urban IDPs are, generally speaking, more complex as they involve more stakeholders as a result of population and employment agglomeration. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Local Plans
| COUNTY OF NEWELL (LOCAL PLANS) The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is a statutory plan, adopted by local bylaw, which guides growth and development in the County – providing a framework for more detailed and specific plans, policies and programs. The MDP sets the framework for how the County will grow in the future. |
Area Structure Plans
| An Area Structure Plans (ASP) is a long range statutory plan, prepared by applicants and adopted by the County, that provide direction for future land use patterns, transportation networks and infrastructure for new development. | ||||||||||||||
| An Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) is a long range statutory plan that coordinates the improvement of land, buildings, or supporting infrastructure in an area that is currently developed. | ||||||||||||||
Land Use Bylaw
| The Land Use Bylaw (LUB) regulates local land use and development – organizing the County into Land Use Districts, and outlining the permitted and discretionary uses within each District. The LUB directs day-to-day development decisions. |
Pre-Development
| The final steps before construction are often referred to as the Pre-Development Stage. Subdivision is the dividing of a single parcel of land into two or more parcels, each to be given a separate title. Subdivision is also used to adjust existing lot lines. A Land Use Amendment is required when a landowner would like to change the land use designation of a parcel(s). |
