Land Use Bylaw, municipal naming topics of Lacombe council meeting

Topics of the City of Lacombe March 25 regular council meeting included the Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Naming and Sponsorship Policy, and taxable dormitories. 

Here are the meeting highlights: 

 

Consent Agenda: 

Council gave first reading to Bylaw 513 – Encroachment Bylaw. 

 

Public Hearings: 

Bylaw 400.51 Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Addition of Residential Units to Airport – Postponed to April 8 

Council postponed the public hearing for Bylaw 400.51 from March 25, and scheduled it for Monday, April 8, at 6 p.m. 

 

Bylaw 400.53 Land Use Bylaw Amendment – Changes to Residential Detached Narrow District (R1-N) 

A public hearing was held for Bylaw 400.53 Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Changes to Residential Detached Narrow District (R1-N). Parkland Community Planning Services representative Beth McLachlan presented the item. 

 

Requests for Decision: 

Bylaw 400.53 Land Use Bylaw Amendment – Changes to the Residential Detached Narrow District (R1- N)

The City received an application to change the parcel development regulations for lots designated as Residential Detached Narrow District (R1-N). While one developer initiated the change, it will be applied to the R1-N District. Allowing the amendments to the R1-N District will provide greater flexibility in building size and design options for future housing. 

Council amended Bylaw 400.53 by replacing and adding text in Section 9.14.2 before second reading as follows:  

• Minimum Front Yard: 4.0m or 6.0m where the parcel is on a collector road or front parking is proposed.  

• Minimum Side Yard: 1.25m; or 2.4m where the property abuts a public roadway other than a lane; or 3m on one side on a lot without a lane where no front Garage exists.  

• Minimum Parcel Area: Interior parcel: 330 m2Corner parcel: 360 m2. 

A motion to amend the main motion by splitting it into separate motions for each of the following categories: Minimum Front Yard, Minimum Side Yard, and Minimum Parcel Area, was defeated.  

Council then gave second and third reading to Bylaw 400.53, as amended. 

 

Municipal Naming and Sponsorship Policy Update  

The Naming of Parks and Playgrounds Policy is outdated and requires revision. Administration suggested edits to also allow for the naming of City facilities and the inclusion of sponsorship as an accepted means for assigning a name to City assets, including parks, playgrounds, and facilities. The proposed update included a clause indicating previous Council naming commitments are to be maintained.  

Council approved the Municipal Naming and Sponsorship Policy 11/462.01 2024PO as presented.  

Council rescinded the Naming of Parks and Playgrounds Policy (75/717.01 (04)).  

Council rescinded the Bill Douglas Field Policy (75/112.5.50 93PO). 

 

Bylaw 514 – Taxable Dormitories  

The Municipal Government Act requires municipalities to pass a Bylaw to allow the levying of taxes on student dormitories. The City of Lacombe has levied taxes on student dormitories for many years. The City requires a current Bylaw to permit the continued levying of taxes on student dormitories.  

Council gave second reading to Bylaw 514.