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Town offers information on reviewed Land Use Bylaw

Tele-town hall aims to answer questions and create a better understanding of Land Use Bylaw
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ST. PAUL - The Town of St. Paul hosted a tele-town hall meeting Jan. 13 focusing on a review of its Land Use Bylaw that is underway.

The Land Use Bylaw is important "because it's the rule book," said Mayor Maureen Miller. She noted that the bylaw helps in the overall development of the town.

Coun Brad Eamon was also on hand to offer feedback and answer questions during the question and answer period. Questions ranged from how long development permits are good for, to what the most common infractions are in relation to the Land Use Bylaw.

A question asking what the different between the current and new Land Use Bylaw was posed near the beginning of the session. Miller explained that the municipality has been working on the review of the Land Use Bylaw for about two years now.

"The new document is much more user-friendly," she explained. The document is available digitally and include hyperlinks within it. Those working on the bylaw also "attempted to use common language," and the reviewed document also reflects new building trends.

The mayor said the aim is to streamline the processes involved, and remove red tape, making the processes smoother for people.

The different between a building permit and development permit was also brought up. A development permit looks at set-backs, lot use, and other similar items, while a building permit is specific to making sure a building meets Alberta building codes and standards.

The length of time it takes for a development permit to be issued was also addressed. Eamon stated that the municipality is working on improving its turnaround, but there are a lot of variables. Typically though, a permit is issued within 40 days, but the target is closer to 21 days.

Miller spoke to a question about approval being required from Alberta Transportation for some things. Since main street is a provincial highway, some items do have to be brought forward to the province for approval, such as changing a sign on main street.

The mayor said she has been working with MLA David Hanson to address this.

"It's red tape," stated Miller, adding, it's not an issue unique to St. Paul.

When speaking about the most common infractions seen in St. Paul, Eamon said he would guess it would be people working without proper permits in place.

Aline Brousseau, Director of Planning and Legislative Services, agreed, saying residents developing things such as sheds, decks and fences are the most common infractions.

Miller said she would like to encourage residents to pick up the phone and call the town if they aren't sure of what might be needed when completing a project.

"It's just best to call."

Applying for the proper permits could save on headaches later on when a resident decides to sell a property. Sometimes sheds have to be moved, or a fence isn't built on a homeowner's property, for example.

And if a property owner has already gone ahead with a project and realizes afterward that a permit was required, the town encourages residents to reach out.

"It's not too late," said Brousseau. "Don't be shy. Give us a call."

When it comes to complaints, Miller explained that the town is often complaint-driven and operates on the assumption that people have taken out the proper permits. If a complaint is received, then the town will look into the issue and an investigation will be triggered.

At the end of the tele-town hall, a question was posed to participants, asking if they had a better understanding of the Land Use Bylaw following the 45 minute meeting with 60 per cent of respondents indicating they did.

"I hope people understand we are here to help and answer questions," said the mayor.

A public hearing will be held prior to the new Land Use Bylaw being approved by council.


Janice Huser

About the Author: Janice Huser

Janice Huser has been with the St. Paul Journal since 2006. She is a graduate of the SAIT print media journalism program, is originally from St. Paul and has a passion for photography.
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