Land Use Bylaw #2022-4
After nearly two years of review, public engagement, and collaboration from our development, legal and administrative agents, Council has now passed a new Land Use Bylaw for the municipality. A copy of the new Land Use Bylaw is available on the municipal website for reference.
The passing of Bylaw #2022-4 addresses several primary municipal “to-dos.” This includes meeting the legislative requirements noted in our Municipal Accountability Program review and amending outdated language throughout the document. The new bylaw also incorporates new development and use regulations. Some of these provisions are as presented back at the August 17th, 2022 public hearing and some of these are approved with significant amendment to earlier iterations in order to balance the direction of Council with the feed back of the residents.
The Land Use Bylaw review has been a successful undertaking and represents the first time since 2007 that this core development document has been part of the public debate in our community. There is much to be excited about in this new bylaw, including: new accessory structures and uses (secondary suites, garden, and garage suites), prohibition of short-term rentals (Airbnb, etc.), and the removal of the proposed second residential (large lot) district as requested. There is also enhanced language and new definitions throughout to add clarity and detail, and enforceability.
Council also respects that in trying to find balance there is no perfect solution and some elements may not meet the expectations of all residents. Of note, the Recreational Vehicle matter was a hot button issue in the discussion. Council wanted to dedicate a portion of this update to specifically address this matter, to be transparent and to be clear on their perspective and plan.
In short, Section 42 (RV Use), now allows for 2 Recreational Vehicles, whether stored or used for temporary accommodations, BUT:
- RVs are (still) only allowed on IMPROVED Parcels (must have a dwelling on site) and must be located on an approved pad/site (which is subject to a Development Permit Application). No permit for an RV on site means No RV on site. No Exceptions.
- All RVs – whether stored or used as temporary living accommodations – must have an approved development permit approved by the development authority – and pay the permit fee for same.
- RVs must follow the same general guidelines for accessory structures and community aesthetic. In practice, this means that RVs must observe the same setback and aesthetic requirements as if they were an accessory building (shed, garage, etc.). Not only must they be maintained, neat, and tidy, they can only sit within the developable window of the property and cannot overcrowd a lot. In a practical sense, this means the vast majority of lots in the community are naturally limited to a single RV.
- RVs are no longer permitted as a temporary accommodation during the building process. This was viewed as an outdated provision that no longer applied, and has in fact been used in the past as a loophole for keeping RVs on vacant lots indefinitely. You must have a dwelling before you can have an RV on site.
These are simple changes, and they make the section on RV regulation much easier to understand and to enforce. They aim to add balance in development policy, community character, and family time at the lake. Council respects that there may be skepticism on these changes and that is why they are further committing to reopen the Land Use Bylaw discussion after a two-year trial period (fall of 2024, earlier if warranted) should adjustments to this section be required.
In the meantime, Administration has been given new direction to prioritize enforcement on RVs and other issues noted in the public engagement process. Council welcomes a continued dialogue on this subject over the next two years so that we can be proactive in making this new framework work for the community – or change course if required.
Regulations: