Planning & Development

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.

Municipal Government Act (MGA
(Subdivision and Development Regulation)

Alberta Land Use Framework
(South Saskatchewan Regional Plan)

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.

Rural/Urban Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDP)

BrooksBassanoDuchessRosemary
Adopted 2009
Consolidated 2013
Adopted March 2015Adopted February 2014Adopted October 2019
Rural/Rural Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDP)
Wheatland CountySpecial Areas BoardCypress CountyMD of TaberVulcan County
Adopted May 2015Adopted March 2020Adopted February 2020Adopted February 2018Adopted May 2015
Amended November 2018


Amended October 2018

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.

Municipal Development Plan (MDP)
Municipal Development Plan
Adopted 2010

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 (ASPs)
Cassils Road ASP
Timko Industrial ASP
Deer Run Estates ASP
Jackson Light Industrial ASP
Lake Newell Reservoir Resort ASP
Adopted June 1991
Amended June 2000
Adopted
January 2001
Adopted
August 2005
Adopted
August 2005
Adopted
August 2003

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.

Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP)
North Headgates ARP
Adopted April 2019
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 (LUB)
Land Use Bylaw
Adopted 2021

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.



Plan of Subdivision



Development AgreementDevelopment Permit




Building Permit

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).