The Land Use Bylaw outlines the rules and regulations for the development of land in Red Deer. All properties within the city are designated a specific zoning, otherwise known as a district. Zoning outlines the uses that are allowed in a specific area and the regulations to ensure development is appropriately located. These can include building size, building height, landscaping, and parking. There are several types of zoning in Red Deer. The most common ones are residential zoning (house, duplex, apartment), commercial zoning (restaurant, cinema, retail), and industrial zoning (manufacturing, warehouse, storage).
Land Use Bylaw Review
The City of Red Deer is embarking on a review of Red Deer’s Land Use Bylaw. The primary intent of the project is to review the fundamentals and regulations of the Land Use Bylaw, endeavouring to increase flexibility and adaptability by reducing regulations where they are not necessary. Equally important, we will be improving the document’s usability and reviewing the related processes to improve the customer experience.
Visit the Land Use Bylaw Update Public Engagement page to provide your input.
Red Deer's Land Use Bylaw - Explained (pdf)
Timeline
This project is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete, due to the complexity of the document and the desire to incorporate internal and external feedback. A new Land Use Bylaw is anticipated to be considered by City Council in late 2023.
Project Philosophy and Framework
Council Endorsed Project Philosophy and Framework (pdf)
Project Updates
Check this page for regular updates throughout the project. If you would like to receive these updates directly, please contact David Girardin to be added to our mailing list.
- Update #12 – Landscaping, Accessory Building and Amenity Spaces Regulations Review – June 21, 2023 (pdf)
- Update #11 – Parking Regulations – May 2, 2023 (pdf)
- Update #10 – Industrial Regulations – May 2, 2023 (pdf)
- Update #9 – Commercial Regulations – Feb 15, 2023 (pdf)
- Update #8 - Developed Areas Regulations - December 20, 2022 (pdf)
- Update #7 - Residential Land Use Districts - April 22, 2022 (pdf)
- Update #6 - Residential Regulations - March 31, 2022 (pdf)
- Update #5 - Industrial Land Uses - October 5, 2021 (pdf)
- Update #4 - Residential Land Uses - August 31, 2021 (pdf)
- Update #3 - Commercial Land Uses - June 30, 2021 (pdf)
- Update #2 - Survey Results - June 9, 2021 (pdf)
- Update #1 – Definitions - April 15, 2021 (pdf)
Why does it matter?
If you’re planning to construct a building, start a business, begin renovations, or would like to establish a suite in your home or backyard, the Land Use Bylaw provides direction on the rules and regulations you will need to follow. The Land Use Bylaw helps to create compatible uses in our urban context. For example, ensuring a house is not constructed in a heavy industrial area.
What are examples of things the Land Use Bylaw regulates?
The bylaw regulates how land is used and developed including:
- Uses for specified areas (i.e., house, restaurant, park)
- Development permit application processes
- Parking and landscaping requirements
- Building height, size, placement (setbacks)
- Sign requirements
What is The City wanting to update?
Simply put, we want to reduce restrictions where possible and streamline processes. We want to provide more housing options for all stages and ages. We want to allow more uses in all zones (commercial, industrial and residential). We want to have consistent design standards between neighbourhoods. We are looking to create cost saving opportunities. We also want to know what you think other areas of the bylaw should be changed or updated.
When will the new bylaw come into effect?
We are currently working with you, our community, to re-write the bylaw and expect a revised version going to City Council in late 2023.
Does The City have a 15-minute city proposal/plan as a part of the Land Use Bylaw review?
No. The City of Red Deer has not adopted a 15-minute city plan, and has no upcoming or proposed planning or design guideline changes for neighbourhood design. The 15-minute community is a planning concept often adopted by urban centres. The concept focuses on having key services and amenities – such as work, shopping, healthcare, and leisure facilities – within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. Our neighbourhoods are always designed with connectivity in mind. The City is committed to providing services to citizens regardless of where they reside and how far they wish to travel both online and in-person.
The Land Use Bylaw review is focused on reviewing the fundamentals and regulations of the Land Use Bylaw, endeavouring to increase flexibility and adaptability by reducing regulations where they are not necessary, while also improving the document’s usability and reviewing the related processes to improve the customer experience.
Is The City participating in a Smart Cities Challenge?
No. The City of Red Deer is not participating in a Smart City Challenge. The City of Red Deer did participate the in a 2018 challenge through the Government of Canada, but were not successful. The information on the Infrastructure Canada website has not been updated since 2020, and the application featured under The City of Red Deer is from the 2018 challenge – the group is no longer in operation. Further inquiries about the Smart Cities Challenge, the data and website should be directed to Infrastructure Canada.