The previous Clearwater County Land Use Bylaw 714/01 (LUB) was approved in 2001 and required renewal to be consistent with the updated Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and to enhance clarity, readability, and user-friendliness.

Much of the content in the 2001 version was carried over from the original 1987 Bylaw. Through the process of review and revision, both the County Administration and residents had the opportunity to evaluate current standards, which might have become outdated, and integrate fresh standards that align with the evolving trends in land use observed over the past two decades. This re-envisioning of the Land Use Bylaw aimed to enhance clarity, readability, and user-friendliness.

Find answers to other Frequently Asked Questions here.

The Public Advisory Committee and Council Steering Committee reviewed the Land Use Bylaw in its entirety during the rewrite project.

Topics that were reviewed include:

• Definitions
• Aggregate Resource Extraction
• Removal of Telecommunication Towers regulations
• Secondary Suites / Bonafide Need
• Recreational Vehicle Use
• Comprehensive review of the Permitted and
• Discretionary uses in all districts
• Compliance with existing County Policies including new 2023 Municipal Development Plan
• Compliance with Provincial Legislation
• Readability of entire document – added graphics were possible.
• Mapping Updates
• Ag Districts – General and Intensive
• Animals, including Wild Boars and Game
• Farming
• Campgrounds 
• Childcare 
• Density 
• Development Permit Exceptions 
• Flood Hazard Area 
• Home Based Businesses 
• Land Use Districts – permitted / discretionary, lot coverage, building heights, housing types, setbacks 
• Lot Grading Permit 
• Floor Area – Max and Min 
• Nordegg Specific – land uses, parking, lot sizes 
• Sea Cans 
• Short Term Rentals 
• Signage 
• Renewable Energy 
• Temporary Development 
• Transportation 
• Variances