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Council adopts new Zoning Bylaw

May 13, 2024 8:09 PM
(Red Deer, Alberta)

At Monday’s regular City Council meeting, City Council passed second and third reading of the Zoning Bylaw 3357/2024, replacing the former Land Use Bylaw. 

The goal of the Zoning Bylaw is to reduce red tape, permit more uses in each zone and improve ease and understanding of the document. Notable updates include: 

  • Reduction from 11 residential districts to 9 zones  
  • Reduction from 7 commercial districts to 6 zones  
  • Reduction from 5 industrial districts to 3 zones 
  • More permitted uses in each zone  
  • More gentle density options to provide increased housing options, including house suites, backyard suites, tiny homes, and duplexes 
  • Increased building heights to 12.5m that considers sightlines and privacy of existing dwellings 
  • Greater flexibility for development applications  
  • Expanded definitions  
  • Reduction of duplex side yards, removal of side yard setbacks on corner lots, and reduced frontage in residential narrow lots to improve competitiveness  
  • New regulations to gently transition existing neighbourhoods to maintain character  

Following adoption of the Zoning Bylaw, the following amendments were made by City Council. 

Proposed Amendment 

Public Hearing Date  

Increase suites from 15% to 25% of the houses in a neighbourhood.

  June 24, 2024

Allow commercial uses on the main floor of R-H Residential High Density.

  June 24, 2024

Correct errors in the PS Public Service Zone use list: (*Recommended) a) Gaming and Gambling Establishment (Only at the Westerner) b) Education Primary & Secondary – Add to discretionary use list

  May 27, 2024

Returning the Cannabis Retail Sales setbacks to be consistent with the current Land Use Bylaw 3357/2006

  May 27, 2024

“The new Zoning Bylaw incorporates years of public feedback and best practices to make a Zoning Bylaw that will result in more housing options, easier development, and ultimately will improve our competitiveness,” said David Girardin, Major Projects Planner. “With the approval of the Zoning Bylaw today, we are not finished our community engagement as there will be future public hearings on potential amendments in the coming weeks, as well as more formal public participation for each additional phase of the Zoning Bylaw.”  
 
The Zoning Bylaw will come into effect in 30 days. Public participation for phase two of the Zoning Bylaw will begin later this year. For more information, visit engage.reddeer.ca.    

For more information, contact:
Community & Public Relations
The City of Red Deer 

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