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PART 5
GENERAL STANDARDS
OF DEVELOPMENT
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Town of Bow Island Land Use Bylaw No. 2024:07
PART 5
GENERAL STANDARDS OF DEVELOPMENT
A. GENERAL STANDARDS OF DEVELOPMENT
The following standards apply to all uses in all districts except for more specific or alternative standards
as may be set forth within the more detailed Residential Standards or Industrial/Commercial standards
found in Part 4.
SECTION 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1
Where the phrase "as required by the Municipal Planning Commission" or "as required
by the Development Authority" appears in this bylaw including the Land Use District
Regulations Schedule, the Municipal Planning Commission or Development Authority,
prior to making its decision, shall take into consideration the Subdivision and
Development Regulation and the Municipal Government Act and may also refer the
matter to the planning advisor for comment.
1.2
Statutory Plans - Where the policies, rules or procedures indicated in a statutory plan
vary, supplement, reduce, replace or qualify the requirements of this Bylaw for a
particular district or districts, the policies, rules or procedures indicated in the statutory
plan shall take precedence.
1.3
Discretionary Uses - In considering an application for a discretionary use, the Municipal
Planning Commission shall give due regard to:
(a) the circumstances and merits of the application and to the purpose, scope and intent
of any municipal development plan, area structure plan or area redevelopment plan
that is under preparation or adopted; and
(b) the purpose of the land use bylaw which is to develop an orderly and economical
land use pattern in the municipality; and
(c) if or how the proposed use may impact or affect neighboring parcels of land.
SECTION 2
USE OF LAND
2.1
On receipt of a development permit a person may develop land for the purposes
approved subject to meeting the regulations and any conditions imposed and shall not
develop land otherwise.
2.2
Minimum lot size - In each district established by this Bylaw, no building shall be erected,
placed or relocated onto a parcel with an area less than the minimum parcel size specified
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in Part 4, except where so authorized by the Development Officer or Municipal Planning
Commission.
2.3
Minimum setbacks - Minimum setbacks shall be in accordance with the stipulations of
the applicable Land Use District or as required by the Development Officer or the
Municipal Planning Commission or as per a variance that may be granted.
2.4
Hazard lands - If, in the opinion of the Development Authority, land upon which
development is proposed is subject to subsidence, mass wasting, flooding or undermining
the Development Authority may require the applicant to submit a structural building plan
prepared and sealed by an engineer, and/or a slope stability analysis, and/or geotechnical
report, and/or flood mapping prepared by an engineer demonstrating that any potential
hazards can be mitigated.
SECTION 3
PLANS AND BUILDING RESTRICTIONS
3.1
Site Plans - In accordance with Section 20 of the Administration part of this Bylaw, the
Development Officer may require a professionally prepared detailed comprehensive site
plan as part of the development permit application to illustrate existing and proposed
buildings, structures, roads and access points, setbacks, landscaping, parking, and utility
easements.
3.2
Architectural Controls - Developments must comply with any approved architectural
controls if required as part of an area structure plan, development permit or subdivision
approval. Proof of compliance with the applicable architectural controls is required at the
time of submission of a development permit application. The Town is not responsible for
ensuring compliance with architectural controls not required by the municipality and that
were privately registered on title by individual landowners.
3.3
Grading and Stormwater Management
(a) The Development Authority may require as a condition of development approval:
(i)
engineered grading and drainage plans for the development and legal survey
demonstrating that engineered grades have been met;
(ii)
grading and other measures, as appropriate, to control surface drainage,
reduce or eliminate grade difference between adjacent lots, and minimize
erosion or slope instability;
(iii)
where the final grades of the development are required to be established, the
final grades must be approved by the Development Authority prior to the
application for a building permit, unless otherwise stipulated by the
Development Authority;
(iv)
the applicant is responsible for ensuring adherence to final grades.
(b) The construction of a retaining wall may be required whenever, in the opinion of the
Development Authority, significant differences in grade exist or will exist between
the lot being developed and any adjacent lot or roadway. Where a retaining wall is
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Town of Bow Island Land Use Bylaw No. 2024:07
required, the applicant shall submit to the Development Officer plans identifying the
design and specifications of development for review and approval by the accredited
Safety Codes Officer.
(c) Roof and surface drainage shall be directed either to the public roadway fronting the
property, or as approved by the Development Authority to a rear or side property
boundary or as approved in an engineered stormwater management plan.
SECTION 4
DESIGN, CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE
4.1
The design, character and appearance of buildings, structures or signs should be
consistent with the intent of the Land Use District in which the building is located and
compatible with other buildings in the vicinity unless it is setting a new standard of design,
character and appearance for the Land Use District or a particular locality of it.
4.2
The Development Officer or Municipal Planning Commission may regulate and require
that specific exterior finishing materials and colour tones be utilized to improve the
quality of any proposed development within any Land Use District or maintain the
compatibility of any:
(a) proposed development with surrounding or adjacent developments,
(b) proposed additions or ancillary structures with existing buildings on the same lot.
4.3
The maximum allowable height above the average finished surface level of the
surrounding ground of the exposed portion of a concrete or block foundation may be
limited by the Development Authority.
4.4
Subject to the requirements of the Safety Codes, the Development Authority may require
that buildings be physically accessible to disabled persons.
4.5
If a building is to be located on a lot with more than one street frontage or on a lot with
potential for further subdivision, the Development Authority may regulate the orientation
and location of the building as a condition of development approval.
4.6
The Development Officer or Municipal Planning Commission may impose conditions on a
development permit to ensure the above standards are met.
SECTION 5
USES OR OBJECTS PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED
5.1
Except for provided herein:
(a) no motor vehicle (non-recreational) other than a passenger vehicle shall be parked
on a lot in a residential district from longer than necessary to load and unload the
same, unless otherwise specified in a Traffic and Parking bylaw; and
(b) an exception to subsection (a) above is allowed to enable one commercial vehicle not
more than 1 tonne capacity to be parked on a lot in any residential district.
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5.2
In a residential district the storage of recreational vehicles (holiday campers, trailers,
motor homes) shall be in compliance with any municipal Traffic and Parking bylaw. In the
absence of such a bylaw, not more than one personal recreational vehicle shall be stored
or parked on the lot with the exception of the CR district where no more than two are
permitted. Recreational vehicles on a residential lot shall not be used for permanent living
or sleeping accommodation.
5.3
No dismantled or wrecked motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, or trailers may be stored
on a lot in a residential district for more than 14 consecutive days, unless otherwise
specified in a Traffic and Parking bylaw.
5.4
A permanent shipping storage container (c-container, sea container) is not permitted in
a residential Land Use District. The only types of shipping storage containers allowed are
temporary containers used in specific situations on a temporary basis as outlined in the
Part 6 Specific Use Standards. SEE PART 6, SECTION 21 SHIPPING CONTAINERS.
5.5
The keeping of animals and pets shall be in compliance with any municipal Animal Control
(or similar) purpose bylaw. Where livestock may be permitted within the CR and UR
districts, adequate shelter and containment facilities must be located a minimum of 15
metres (50 ft.) from any property line.
SECTION 6
DEMOLITION OR REMOVAL OF BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES
6.1
No person shall commence or cause to be commenced the demolition or removal of any
building or structure, or portion thereof, until all necessary permits have been obtained.
6.2
A development permit must be obtained for the demolition or removal of any building or
structure greater than 18.58 m2 (200 sq ft) in size.
6.3
The applicant shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary Safety Codes approvals and
utility service disconnections before demolition or removal of buildings or structures.
6.4
It shall be a condition of the permit for the demolition or removal of a building that the
lot shall be cleared, with all debris removed, and left in a graded condition upon
completion of the demolition or removal to the satisfaction of the Development
Authority. All demolition materials shall be deposited in an approved waste disposal site.
6.5
When a demolition permit is approved, the Development Authority may require the
applicant to provide a cash deposit, irrevocable letter of credit or other acceptable form
of security in such amount as to cover the costs of reclamation to any public utility or
Town property.
6.6
Whenever a demolition or removal of a building or structure is carried out, the property
owner shall, at his own expense, protect any wall, structure, sidewalk or roadway that
may be affected by such demolition or removal, including those on neighbouring
properties, from damage or displacement. Further, the property owner shall ensure that
adequate measures are taken by way of fencing to ensure public safety.
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Town of Bow Island Land Use Bylaw No. 2024:07
SECTION 7
ACCESS
7.1
Each lot or parcel of land subject to a development permit or subdivision application shall
have at least one means of legal and physical access to a municipal public roadway.
7.2
Location of the access to each development from a public roadway should be shown on
the plot plan submitted with the application for a development permit and is subject to
the approval of the Development Officer or Municipal Planning Commission. The
Development Authority may limit the number of vehicular access points to any parcel or
lot and may specify their locations. SEE SECTION 18 DRIVEWAYS
7.3
Laneways are considered a secondary means of access to a lot or parcel and shall not be
the sole method of providing access. In the Highway Transitional - HT district access by
rear lane may be permitted at the discretion of the Development Authority based on the
circumstances and any restrictions required by Alberta Transportation.
SECTION 8
EASEMENTS
8.1
All permanent buildings and structures shall not encroach into and must be located off an
easement registered for the protection of municipal water mains and sewer mains or any
other infrastructure, as determined by the municipality.
8.2
A property owner is responsible to ensure no buildings or structures are located within a
registered private utility easement.
8.3
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WĂƌƚŶĞƌƐͿƚŽůŽĐĂƚĞĂŶLJƵƟůŝƚLJeasement lines prior to commencement of a development
ǁŚĞƌĞĞdžĐĂǀĂƟŽŶŽƌĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶŽĨĂbuilding or structure is involved, which may be
ŝŵƉŽƐĞĚĂƐĂĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶŽŶ a development permit approval.
SECTION 9
SERVICING
9.1
All development shall be required to connect to both the municipal water supply and
sewerage system where the municipal services are, in the opinion of the Development
Officer or Municipal Planning Commission, reasonably available. Exceptions may be
permitted by the Development Authority where it is determined the use does not require
servicing, such as storage yards, mini-storage, parking lots, seed cleaning plants.
9.2
In a Land Use District where no municipal servicing is reasonably available, such as the CR
and UR districts, other servicing options may be permitted by the Development Authority
provided the development approval can comply with Regional Health Authority and
Alberta Safety Codes standards for unserviced parcels. Prior to development approval,
the applicant may be required to submit a soils analysis and report to demonstrate the
suitability of the site for on-site septic.
9.3
All private on-site sewage septic systems shall be appropriately sized to meet the needs
of the building and use it is associated with and shall be installed to conform to the current
Town of Bow Island Land Use Bylaw No. 2024:07
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Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standards of Practice. Open discharge or lagoon systems
are prohibited within the Town.
9.4
Individual private water wells are not permitted to be drilled or used as a source of water
supply for any 2parcels within Town limits.
SECTION 10
REFUSE COLLECTION AND STORAGE
10.1
Refuse and garbage are to be kept in a municipal approved refuse container of a suitable
size or placed in an approved enclosure until removed for disposal, for each use within
each Land Use District.
10.2
Non-residential land uses may have special screening requirements for refuse areas
imposed as a condition of a development permit approval.
SECTION 11
LOT LAYOUTS
11.1
When considering the subdivision of land, the Subdivision Authority may require that:
(a) No lot or parcel shall be subdivided and created which does not provide for an
adequate buildable area as defined by the applicable Land Use District, except
pursuant to an area structure plan outlining a specific use to be accommodated or
for parks or utility use.
(b) The lot line common to the street right-of-way line shall be the front line. All lots
shall face the front line and a similar lot across the street. Wherever feasible, lots
should be arranged so that the rear line does not abut the side line of an adjacent
lot.
(c) The length and width of blocks shall be sufficient to accommodate two tiers of lots
with minimum standards specified by the applicable Land Use District and this
Section, except where a single row of lots back onto an arterial street, park space
or institutional use.
(d) All block layouts shall enable development to meet all Town engineering
requirements for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of street traffic.
11.2
At the time of new subdivision plans, all corner lots shall dedicate clear vision triangles as
right-of-way. (refer to Figure 16.2)
SECTION 12
SITE LIGHTING
12.1
Site lighting may be required as a condition of development, particularly for institutional
or commercial developments, and any required lighting shall be located, oriented and
shielded so it does not adversely affect adjacent properties.
12.2
As a condition of a development permit approval, the applicable Development Authority
may require shielded lighting, specify lower lamp wattages, minimize a development's
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Town of Bow Island Land Use Bylaw No. 2024:07
number of exterior fixtures, or require fixtures to be downcast to prevent sky glow, and
avoid casting light onto adjacent properties to reduce light trespass.
SECTION 13
OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
13.1
The off-street parking and loading requirements and design standards apply to:
(a) all new buildings and uses; and
(b) the expansion or enlargement of existing buildings or uses.
13.2
Parking spaces shall be located on the same lot or site as the building or the use for which
they are intended to serve and shall be located and constructed to conform this Bylaw
standards.
13.3
In the case of expansion or enlargement of an existing building or use, additional off-
street parking spaces will be required to serve the expanded or enlarged area.
13.4
In consideration of 13.3 above, when a building is enlarged or the use of the building is
altered in such a manner that additional parking spaces are required, the Development
Authority may require that provision shall be made for the total number of parking spaces
required by the Bylaw.
13.5
Adequate curbs, bollards, or fences shall be provided to the satisfaction of the
Development Authority if in its opinion, it becomes necessary to protect adjacent fences,
walls, boulevards, landscaped areas or buildings on the site, or an abutting site, from
contact with vehicles using such parking space or area.
Residential Parking Requirements
13.6
Parking areas are to be accessible, designed and delineated in a manner which will
provide for orderly parking.
13.7
Parking areas are to be constructed in a manner which will permit adequate drainage,
snow removal, and maintenance.
13.8
Unless the development permit for a new residence also includes a garage, the Municipal
Planning Commission may require the required parking spaces be hard surfaced with a
material limited to concrete, asphalt or paving stones and installed prior to occupancy.
13.9
The following is to be used to calculate the off-street parking spaces required for a
proposed development:
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Table 13.1: Residential Minimum Required Off-street Parking
RESIDENTIAL
Bed and breakfast
1 space per guest room plus the 1 space per dwelling unit
Boarding or lodging home
1 space per sleeping unit
Child care facility
1 pick-up/drop-off space per 10 children plus 1 parking space per 10 children
Dwellings:
- All Single-unit dwellings (a)
1 space per dwelling unit
- 2 unit, 3-unit, 4-unit
1.5 spaces per dwelling unit
- Row (more than 4 units) or
5-units or more
1.5 spaces per dwelling unit plus 1 visitor parking space for every 3 dwelling units
Secondary suite
1 space (in addition to the 1 space per dwelling unit)
All Other uses
As required by the Municipal Planning Commission
(a)
For the purpose of this table, Single unit dwellings include:
Site Stick-built dwelling
Ready-to-move dwelling
Modular dwelling
Manufactured/mobile home
Prefabricated dwelling
Previously occupied dwelling
Non-Residential Parking Requirements
Table 13.2: Non-Residential Minimum Required Off-Street Parking
NON-RESIDENTIAL USE
MINIMUM PARKING SPACES
Assembly Hall
1 space per 10 m2 (107.6 ft2) of GFA
Automotive uses
1 space per 46.5 m2 (500 ft2) of GFA
Bulk fuel/fertilizer storage and sales
1 space per 46.5 m2 (500 ft2) of GFA
Car/Truck wash
1 space plus 1 space for any vacuum/cleaning area
Clubs or fraternal organization
1 space per 5.1 m2 (55 ft2) of patron use area
Community building
1 space per 30 m2
Convenience store
1 space per 27.9 m2 (300 ft2) of GFA
Cultural facility
1 space per 6 seating spaces plus 10% additional spaces
Drive in/Drive thru use
2 spaces plus 1 space per 5.1 m2 (55 ft2) of seating area
Elementary & Jr High School
2 spaces per classroom plus 1 space for every 18.58 m2 (200 ft2) of
assembly area in an auditorium, plus adequate bus loading facilities
Entertainment establishment
1 space per 5.5 m2 (60 sq ft) of patron use area
Highschool
4 spaces per classroom plus 1 space for every 18.58 m2 (200 ft2) of
assembly area in an auditorium, plus adequate bus loading facilities
Financial Institution / Banks
1 space per 50 m2 (538 ft2) of GFA
Funeral home
1 space per 5 seating spaces plus additional 10%
Grain elevator /seed cleaning plant
1 space plus 1 space per 5.1 m2 (55 ft2) of office area
Garden centre or greenhouse
1 space per 65 m2 (700 sq ft) of GFA
General warehousing and storage
1 space per 75 m2 (800 sq ft) of GFA
Group care facility
1 space per 20.0 m2 (215 ft2) of client rooms plus 2 for visitors
Hospitals / Nursing Homes
1.5 spaces per bed
Hotel/Motel
2 spaces plus 1 per each guest room
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Town of Bow Island Land Use Bylaw No. 2024:07
Licensed premises/Lounges/Pubs
1 space per 5.5 m2 (60 sq ft) of patron use area
Liquor store
1 space per 37.2 m2 (400 sq ft) of GFA
Light industrial / light fabrication
1 space per 37.2 m2 (400 ft2) of GFA
Manufacturing Plants, Mills, Shops
1 space per 55 m2 (590 ft2) of GFA
Medical/Dental/health facility
1 space per 23.23 m2 (250 ft2) of GFA
Office, Business support service
1 space per 46.5 m2 (500 ft2) of GFA
Personal service
1 space per 37.2 m2 (400 ft2) of GFA
Religious assembly / churches
1 space per 6 patron seats
Restaurant
2 spaces plus 1 space per 5.5 m2 (60 ft2) of dining area
Retail
1 space per 46.5 m2 (500 ft2) of GFA
Service station, Gas bar
2 spaces for each service bay plus 1 space for each 23.23 (250 ft2) of GFA
Theatres
1 space per 4.65 m2 (50 sq ft) of gross assembly area
All other uses
As required by the Development Authority in accordance with Part 6,
subsection 14.6.
Note: GFA is defined as Gross Floor Area.
Where there a multiple mixed uses on site, then the parking space requirements are to be
combined (e.g., a convenience store and a service station requires both parking stipulations
combined together).
Barrier-Free Off-Street Parking Spaces
13.10 Barrier-free parking spaces shall be in accordance with Safety Codes requirements.
13.11 Barrier-free parking stalls shall be marked and clearly identifiable in accordance with
Safety Codes.
Loading Space Requirements
13.12 One loading (cargo) space shall be provided for each loading door per building in the I, C-
1, C-2, H-T, M-1, M-2 and M-3 Land Use Districts.
13.13 The minimum dimensions for a loading space are to be 3.5 m (11.5 ft) by 8.5 m (28 ft) for
an overall area of 30 m² (323 ft2) with an overhead clearance of 3.5 m (11.5 ft).
13.14 Each loading space shall provide a doorway into the building sufficient to meet the needs
of the use within the building.
13.15 Each loading space shall be designed in such a manner that it will not interfere with
convenient and safe pedestrian movement, traffic flow or parking.
13.16 The Development Authority may require additional loading areas or doors if, in the
Development Authority's opinion, such additional areas or doors are deemed necessary.
13.17 The Development Authority may consider a joint loading area for two or more uses (such
as in a multi-use building or strip-mall) if, in the Development Authority's opinion, such a
loading area would facilitate orderly development or relieve congestion in the immediate
area.
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13.18 Loading docks (above level grade) shall be built 139.7 cm (55 inches) above grade level
to accommodate most delivery trucks.
Stacking Lane Spaces for Drive-through Uses
13.19 In addition to the off-street parking requirements, a drive-through use is required to
provide the following minimum vehicle stacking lane (que aisle) length spaces:
(a) Restaurant use: 24.5 m (80 ft) from order box to pick-up window and 12.2 m (40 ft)
from order box to entrance or lot line
(b) Gas station: 9.1 m (30 ft) from each end of pump island to entrance or lot line
(c) Bank machine: 22.9 m (75 ft) from bank machine window to entrance or lot line
(d) Car wash: 15.2 m (50 ft) from car wash bay entrance to entrance or lot line
(e) Other: As determined by the Development Authority
13.20 A stacking lane shall have a minimum width of 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) and have no obstructions by
intersecting traffic, abutting parking, or loading spaces.
13.21 All stacking spaces must be located entirely within the boundaries of the property and
must not be situated over any required parking stalls or block access/egress in and out of
the lot or site.
13.22 The minimum stacking space requirements in subsection 13.19 may be varied by the
Development Authority depending upon the intensity of the proposed development.
SECTION 14
OFF-STREET PARKING DESIGN STANDARDS
14.1
Off-street parking areas are to be accessible and designed in a manner which will provide
for orderly parking in accordance with the minimum parking space dimensions as found
in Table 14.1 and Figure 14.1.
14.2
Parking space designs proposing tandem (stacked) parking to a maximum of two vehicles
per stall may be approved by the Development Authority provided the spaces are for
employee parking only.
14.3
Where a use or development may need to accommodate over-sized vehicles such as
tractor-trailers, large recreational vehicles, buses or other similar vehicles, the
Development Authority may require larger parking space and aisle dimensions.
14.4
The off-street parking shall be provided in the manner shown on an approved site plan
with the entire area to be graded so as to ensure that drainage will be confined to the site
and directed in a manner satisfactory to the Development Authority.
14.5
Off-street parking spaces adjacent to a road right-of-way are to provide bumper blocks,
curbing or other similar protective features to ensure public safety and prevent vehicle
overhang.
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14.6
Any parking space or any loading area space that is provided shall be developed and
finished surfaced to the satisfaction of the Development Authority. The Development
Authority may require that off-street parking areas or portions thereof be paved as a
condition of approval.
Table 14.1: Minimum Parking Stall Dimensions
A: Parking
Angle
B: Stall Width
C: Width of Aisle
D: Depth of Stall
Perpendicular to Aisle
Degrees
m
ft
m
ft
m
ft
0 (Parallel)
2.5 m for
residential
use,
2.7 m for all
other uses
8.0 ft for
residential
use,
9.0 ft for all
other uses
3.5
11.5
7.0
23
30
3.5
11.5
5.1
16.8
45
3.7
12
6.0
19.8
60
5.5
18
6.4
21
90
7.0
23
6.0
19.8
Figure 14.1 Minimum Parking Space Dimensions
B. RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS OF DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the General Standards, the following are specific standards that are applicable to all
residential development in the various residential Land Use Districts.
SECTION 15
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
15.1
Accessory buildings or uses shall not be established, constructed or placed on a lot until
such time that the lot has a principal building or structure in place on the lot.
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15.2
The maximum height of an accessory
building or structure shall be as
provided for in the applicable Land
Use District.
15.3
Accessory buildings shall be located a
separation distance of at least 2 m
(6.5 ft) away from the principal
building.
15.4
Accessory buildings on a corner lot shall be located so that the secondary (flankage) yard
abutting the street is not less than the secondary yard of the principal building.
15.5
Accessory buildings or structures, excepting a fence in accordance with this bylaw, shall
not to be located in the front or secondary front yard in relation to the principal building.
15.6
Unless otherwise specified in a Land Use District, an accessory building must be located
at least 1 m (3.3 ft.) from the property lines, except where a garage vehicular entrance is
located on the rear lane, in which case the garage minimum distance shall be 2 m (6.5 ft.)
from the rear property line.
15.7
Accessory buildings shall be constructed such that eaves shall be no closer than 0.6 m
(2 ft) from a side lot line or rear lot line and all drainage is conducted to the appropriate
storm drain via the applicant's own property.
15.8
Carports attached to a principal dwelling or building are deemed to form part of the
principal dwelling or building and shall comply with the provisions for principal dwelling
or building. Carports attached to an accessory building shall comply with the provisions
for accessory buildings.
15.9
The maximum size of a residential accessory building shall not exceed the gross floor area
of the first floor of the principal building and in no instance shall exceed a maximum of
75.0 m² (807 sq ft) gross floor area.
15.10 Quonsets, Quonset-style buildings or semicircular metal structures shall not be permitted
as accessory buildings in the residential R-1, R-2, R-3, MHP Land Use District.
15.11 A residential accessory building shall have a residential character and facade that, in the
opinion of the Development Authority, is compatible with that of the principal building.
15.12 All moved-in accessory buildings shall be subject to the provisions of this Section and the
provisions of Part 6, Section 14, Moved-in Building Standards.
15.13 Each residential lot within the residential R-1, R-2, R-3, MHP and CR districts shall be
limited to three (3) accessory buildings and only one of which may be a garage, and must
comply with the maximum site coverage allocations for the applicable district.
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Town of Bow Island Land Use Bylaw No. 2024:07
15.14 A residential accessory building shall not be used for sleeping or living accommodation,
with the exception of accessory buildings approved as residential secondary suites and
the units comply with the criteria and standards for such a use in this Bylaw.
FIGURE 15.1
FIGURE 15.2
.
SECTION 16
CORNER VISIBILITY
16.1
Street Corner Visibility
On a corner lot, nothing shall be erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in a manner
which may restrict traffic visibility at street intersections, between 0.9 m (3 ft) and 3.0 m
(10 ft) above the centre line grades of the intersecting streets in the area bounded by the
property lines of such corner lots and a line joining points along the said property line 6.1
m (20 ft) from the point of intersection (see Figures 16.1 and 16.2 where Dimension = 6.1
m along each property line).
FIGURE 16.1
FIGURE 16.2
Town of Bow Island Land Use Bylaw No. 2024:07
| 133
16.2
Rear Lane Visibility
The Municipal Planning Commission may, where deemed warranted, impose conditions
on a development to ensure that adequate visibility and safety of both pedestrians and
vehicles is maintained for vehicles entering and exiting rear laneways.
SECTION 17
LANDSCAPING AND FENCES
17.1
Any portion of a residential lot not used for buildings, structures, parking or driveways
shall be properly developed and maintained as a landscaped area, and such areas shall
not be less than that may be prescribed by the Land Use District regulations.
17.2
All residential lots required to be landscaped shall be landscaped or xeriscaped and
planted with appropriate grass, trees, shrubs, plants and other organic and natural
materials, which enhance the appearance of the site and more amenable to water
(drainage) absorption.
17.3
All lots required to be landscaped shall be landscaped shall be landscaped so that the
finished surface contours do not direct surface drainage onto an adjoining lot.
17.4
No continuous fence, wall, hedge, vegetation or any combination thereof which may
restrict vision shall extend more than 0.9 m (3 ft) above the ground in any front yard area,
as illustrated in Figure 16.2 without a development permit approved by the Municipal
Planning Commission. Ornamental trees arranged in a single mass not exceeding 5 m (16
ft) in width or individual trees spaced a minimum of 5 m (16 ft) apart are not subject to
this requirement but are subject to the requirements of subsection 16.1. A corner lot with
a rear lane is subject to the requirements of subsection 16.3.
17.5
Fences in the secondary front, rear and side yards shall be limited to 1.8 m (6 ft) in height
or less (see Figure 17.1).
17.6
Fence height shall be measured as the vertical distance from average grade to the highest
portion of the fence. Average grade is defined as the average of the highest and lowest
grades adjacent to the portion of the lot where the fence will be placed.
17.7
Where a permit is required, the Municipal Planning Commission may regulate the types
of materials and colours used for a fence utilized to improve the quality of any proposed
development within any Land Use District or maintain the compatibility of any proposed
development with surrounding or adjacent developments.
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FIGURE 17.1 FIGURE 17.2
SECTION 18
DRIVEWAYS, OFF-STREET PARKING STANDARDS
18.1
Vehicular access for corner lots shall generally be limited to locations along a minor street
or cul-de-sac where feasible.
18.2
In residential districts one driveway or off-street parking pad may be permitted in the
front yard to a maximum of 7.6 m (25 ft) in width.
18.3
Driveways shall be a minimum of 3.0 m (10 ft) and a maximum of 7.6 m (25 ft) in width,
unless otherwise approved by the Municipal Planning Commission on the basis of merit.
18.4
Driveways shall be located a minimum 4.6 m (15 ft) from the intersection of two public
roadways (see Figure 17.2 Dimension A), a minimum of 3.0 m (10 ft) from the entrance to
a lane (Dimension B), and minimum of 3.0 m (10 ft) from the intersection of a lane and a
public roadway (Dimension C).
18.5
Driveways, parking pads or hard surfaced areas (e.g., paving stones, ground patios
sidewalks) that cover more than 25 percent (25%) of the total lot area require a
development permit.
SECTION 19
DECKS AND PROJECTIONS OVER YARDS
Decks
19.1
A development permit is required for the construction of a deck if it will be 0.6 m (2 ft) or
greater in height (see Figure 19.1). Decks 0.6 m or higher are also subject to building code
requirements that the applicant shall be responsible for complying with.
19.2
All decks covered or enclosed (roof or walls), regardless of the height, require a
development permit.
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19.3
For the purposes of calculating site coverage requirements, where a deck structure is
attached to the principal building, it shall be deemed part of the principal building and
subject to principal building requirements.
19.4
Decks must be located in a manner such as to preserve the privacy of adjacent properties
as much as possible.
19.5
A privacy wall/screen shall be no greater than 2.44 m (8 ft.) above the finished deck floor
elevation (finished board on top of joist or stone patio surface) of a balcony, deck or patio.
19.6
A privacy wall/screen shall be restricted to side and rear yards only, and to the width of
the deck, patio, or balcony.
19.7
Any open or closed porch or veranda shall be considered part of the principal building for
the purposes of calculating floor area, site coverage, and setback requirements.
FIGURE 19.1
Projections Over Yards
19.8
Except as provided in this part, no portion of the principal building shall project over or
into the minimum setbacks as required by the Land Use District regulations.
19.9
Those portions of and attachments to a principal building (subject to the relevant
provisions of Safety Codes) which may project over or on a yard minimum setback are:
(a) cornices, sills, canopies, belt course, eaves which projects for a distance not
exceeding one-half of the minimum side yard requirement for the site;
(b) a chimney which is not more than 1.5 m (5 ft) in width and projects 0.6 m (2 ft) or
less over a yard provided that it is at least 1 m (3 ft) from the property line;
(c) unenclosed, uncovered entrance stairs or steps with a landing of less than 3.7 m² (40
sq ft) if they do not project more than 2.4 m (8 ft) over a minimum front or rear yard,
and not more than 0.9 m (3 ft) over a minimum side yard;
(d) unenclosed porches up to 1.5 m (5 ft.) into a required front yard setback;
(e) covered (i.e., roofs) steps, stairs, porches or upper landings 1.82 m (6 ft) or less in
width provided the covered portion does not project into a required front yard
setback more than 0.75 m (2.5 ft), and the steps 1.5 m (5 ft);
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(f)
uncovered decks up to 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) into a required rear yard setback provided it
does not exceed 50 percent of the width of the dwelling; and
(g) one cantilever 1.82 m (6 ft) or less in width per building side may project 0.75 m (2.5
ft) into a side yard provided that it is at least 1 m (3 ft) from the side yard property
line, and any additional cantilevers projecting from a building must meet the
required side yard setbacks as stipulated.
(h) Mechanical equipment, HVAC, and air conditioners may project into a side, rear or
front setback provided they are least 0.6 m (2 ft) from the side property line.
(i)
Wheelchair ramps may project unlimited over or into a yard minimum setback as
necessary with consideration for any building Safety Code requirements.
FIGURE 19.2
FIGURE 19.3
C. INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL STANDARDS OF DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the General Standards, the following are specific standards that are applicable to all
commercial/industrial development in the various non-residential Land Use Districts.
SECTION 20
NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPING AND FENCING
20.1
No solid fence, wall, hedge or any combination thereof shall extend more than 0.9 m (3 ft)
above the ground in any non-residential front yard area, as illustrated in Section 15,
without a development permit approved by the Municipal Planning Commission. Chain
link fences up to a maximum of 2.4 m (8 ft) are permitted in the front yard.
20.2
Fences in the secondary (flankage) front, rear and side yards shall be a maximum of 2.4
m (8 ft) in height or less.
20.3
Fence height shall be measured as the vertical distance from average grade to the highest
portion of the fence. Average grade is defined as the average of the highest and lowest
grades adjacent to the portion of the lot where the fence will be placed.
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20.4
Where a permit is required, the Municipal Planning Commission may regulate the types
of materials and colours used for a fence when deemed necessary.
20.5
The provision of landscaping may be imposed as a condition of a development permit.
20.6
If landscaping is required by the Development Authority, a landscaping plan shall be
submitted with the development permit application for any principal use. The
Development Authority may require that a landscaping plan be prepared by a
professional. An irrigation plan may also be required.
20.7
Development along Highway 3 may be subject to enhanced landscaping standards to
ensure consistency with the Municipal Development Plan and Intermunicipal
Development Plan policies regarding entryways into the community.
20.8
Landscaping shall consist of any combination of the following to the satisfaction of the
Development Authority:
(a) vegetation (e.g., trees, shrubs, plants, lawn, flowers);
(b) ground cover (e.g., large feature rocks, bark chip, field stone, crushed rock, or other
similar features);
(c) buffering (e.g., berming, terracing, paving stones);
(d) outdoor amenity areas (e.g., benches, walkways, raised planters, etc.);
(e) innovative landscaping features, as approved by the Development Authority.
SECTION 21
CORNER VISIBILITY
21.1
Street Corner Visibility
On a corner lot, nothing shall be erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in a manner
which may restrict traffic visibility at street intersections, between 0.9 m (3 ft) and 3.0 m
(10 ft) above the centre line grades of the intersecting streets in the area bounded by the
property lines of such corner lots and a line joining points along the said property line 6.1
m (20 ft) from the point of intersection (see Figure 16.1).
SECTION 22
STORAGE AND SCREENING
22.1
The Development Officer or Municipal Planning Commission may require that sites
abutting a residential district shall be screened from the view of the residential district to
the satisfaction of the Development Authority.
22.2
All outdoor storage, refuse and garbage containers shall be screened from adjacent sites
and public thoroughfares. No outdoor storage is permitted in the front yard and
secondary front (flankage) yard unless it is screened from the public view to the
satisfaction of the Development Authority.
22.3
On parcels located adjacent to provincial highways, any storage of goods, products, raw
materials, etc. shall be effectively screened from view by buildings, solid fences,
landscaped features, or combinations thereof and be maintained in good repair.
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22.4
On industrial lots the storage of equipment, parts, wrecked or damaged motor vehicles
which might be located or stockpiled on the property as part of an approved development
must be effectively screened from all adjacent parcels and roadways in the vicinity.
22.5
The outdoor display of goods, materials or equipment solely for advertisement purposes
may be allowed, unless otherwise stipulated by the Development Authority, subject to
the following:
(a) the display of goods, materials or equipment may be permitted in the front yard
provided that it is restricted to examples of limited equipment, products, vehicles or
items sold by the business or industrial use located on the subject site containing the
display area;
(b) the outdoor display areas are not located within any required setback or on
municipal property; and
(c) the display areas are not located on any required and approved landscaping area.
SECTION 23
LOADING SPACES
23.1
Loading docks and spaces are to be provided in accordance with Part 5, Section 13, Off-
street Parking and Loading Requirements.
23.2
No building doors are permitted in the rear yard which do not open completely within the
boundaries of the site (property line).
23.3
Adequate on-site provisions must be provided for vehicular parking and loading and
unloading of material related to such operations.
SECTION 24
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
24.1
Accessory buildings or structures in excess of 9.3 m2 (100 sq. ft.) shall be setback a
minimum 2 m (6.5 ft) from the principal building or and all other buildings or structures
on the same lot.
24.2
Where it appears that greater side yard setbacks may be necessary, the Development
Authority may impose such a requirement as a condition of a development permit.
24.3
On lots or parcels designated for either commercial or industrial use, multiple accessory
buildings or structures may be permitted provided the combined maximum lot coverage
is not exceeded.
24.4
The maximum height of accessory buildings or structures shall be as stipulated in the
applicable commercial or industrial Land Use District.
24.5
Unless otherwise approved by the Development Authority, approved shipping containers
must be located in the rear yard only and are not to be located in a front or side yard. For
specific details, the criteria and standards of development stipulated in Part 6 will apply.
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SECTION 25
SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
25.1
Development permit applications for mixed-use developments (buildings or parcels of
land) may be considered for approval in this district if the uses conform to the list of
permitted or discretionary uses. For specific details, the criteria and standards of
development stipulated in Part 6 will apply.
25.2
The Development Authority shall require a professionally prepared site plan as part of the
development permit application, for any proposed mixed-use parcel of land.
25.3
In consideration of Part 8, Airport Restrictions, the maximum heights of buildings within
the airport vicinity may be restricted to protect runway approaches and flight paths. (See
Part 8)
25.4
No operation or activity associated with any commercial or industrial use shall be
permitted which would create a nuisance factor from noise, odour, earthborn vibrations,
heat, intense light sources, smoke or dust, beyond the boundaries of the property.
25.5
Any use that is determined to be high volume water user will be reviewed and considered
in relation to the Towns' water capacity and flow rates for the area and lot subject to a
development application proposal.
25.6
Mechanical equipment, HVAC, and air conditioners may project up to 0.9 m (3 ft) into a
side, rear or front setback. Any further distance relaxation needed to accommodate the
installation of such equipment must be approved by the Development Authority.
25.7
The Development Authority may require that any exposed projections outside the
building, such as mechanical and electrical equipment and cooling towers, be screened
from view from any public roadway and adjacent sites if, in the opinion of the
Development Authority, such projections are inconsistent with the character and
appearance of surrounding development or adjacent to residential areas.
25.8
All Automotive, Service Station and Washing facilities, both new and those being
renovated, will be required to provide an oil separator package or device, to the
satisfaction and standards as stipulated by the municipality. This shall be a condition of
any development permit approval.
25.9
As a condition of any development permit approval, all food and restaurant uses, both
new and those being renovated, will be required to provide a commercial Fat/Oil/Grease
(FOG) Interceptor to be installed at a directly accessible location on the upstream side of
a Monitoring Access Point in or on the Premises that is designed and sized in accordance
with CAN/CSA B481, and meets the requirements of the National Plumbing Code of
Canada to prevent FOG from passing into the Wastewater System.
25.10 Developers or operators of industrial businesses that may involve the use of potential
hazardous materials (e.g., heavy metals, chemical agents, poisons and pesticides,
flammable, combustible and reactive materials, oxidizing materials, biohazardous
materials, etc.) must disclose the material, storage, use and nature of such materials to
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the Development Authority. Applicants must fully disclose and provide such information
on a submitted development permit application to the municipality.
25.11 The Development Authority will review and consider applications involving hazardous
materials in relation to the site, proposed use, safety and suitability of the proposal, and
may refuse to approve a development permit if deemed to be unsuitable.
25.12 The Development Officer or Municipal Planning Commission may require conditions to
improve the compatibility with nearby land uses of any industrial or commercial use or
development including, but not limited to:
(a) measures to control noise, vibration, smoke, dust, ash, smell, glare, heat and/or
industrial waste;
(b) limit or specify permitted days and hours of operation;
(c) design, exterior building finish, siting, setbacks, paving of parking areas, and other
details, as deemed appropriate;
(d) screen parking and traffic circulation areas abutting side or rear lot boundaries with
a fence, wall or hedge to the satisfaction of the Development Authority;
(e) provide landscaping of a type and amount satisfactory to the Development
Authority.
D. PROVINCIAL LAND USE REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 26
SETBACKS FROM ABANDONED GAS WELLS
The Matters Related to Subdivision and Development Regulation (Alberta Regulation 84/2022)
requires municipalities to ensure that applicants include abandoned gas well information from the
AER in applications for both subdivisions and development permits. The Town of Bow Island shall
meet the provincial legislative requirements by applying the following policies:
26.1
It is the responsibility of the applicant of the proposed subdivision and/or development
ƚŽƚĂŬĞŵĞĂƐƵƌĞƐƚŽŝĚĞŶƟĨLJĂŶLJĂďĂŶĚŽŶĞĚgas wells within that property and to apply
the required setback.
26.2 The Subdivision or Development Authority shall not deem a subdivision or development
ƉĞƌŵŝƚĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞƵŶƟůƚŚĞĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚŚĂƐƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚƚŚĞƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚĂďĂŶĚŽŶĞĚǁĞůů
ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶĨƌŽŵƚŚĞAER.
26.3 dŚĞĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐŚĂůůďĞƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚƚŽƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƚŚĞĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͗
(a) the AER ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͕ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐĂŵĂƉŽĨƚŚĞƐĞĂƌĐŚĂƌĞĂĨƌŽŵƚŚĞAER viewer and a
ƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚƚŚĂƚƚŚĞƌĞĂƌĞŶŽǁĞůůƐŝŶƚŚĞƉƌŽũĞĐƚĂƌĞĂŽƌĂůŝƐƚĂŶĚŵĂƉŝĚĞŶƟĨLJŝŶŐƚŚĞ
ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ĂďĂŶĚŽŶĞĚ ǁĞůůƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĂƌĐŚ ĂƌĞĂ ;ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƐƵƌĨĂĐĞ
coordinates, as provided by the viewer or AER /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐͿ͖ĂŶĚ
(b) if an abandoned well is present, a detailed site plan must be provided that accurately
ŝůůƵƐƚƌĂƚĞƐƚŚĞĂĐƚƵĂůǁĞůůůŽĐĂƟŽŶ;i.e., ůĂƟƚƵĚĞ͕ůŽŶŐŝƚƵĚĞͿŽŶƚŚĞƐƵďũĞĐƚƉĂƌĐĞůĂƐ
Town of Bow Island Land Use Bylaw No. 2024:07
| 141
ŝĚĞŶƟĮĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĮĞůĚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƐĞƚďĂĐŬ ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ AER ŝƌĞĐƟǀĞ Ϭϳϵ ;Ă
ŵŝŶŝŵƵŵϱŵĞƚƌĞƌĂĚŝƵƐĂƌŽƵŶĚƚŚĞǁĞůůͿŝŶƌĞůĂƟŽŶƚŽĞdžŝƐƟŶŐŽƌƉƌŽƉŽƐĞĚďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ
sites.
26.4
If there is an abandoned well located in the area of the proposed surface development,
ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚ ŝƐ ĂĚǀŝƐĞĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƚŚĞ ǁĞůů ůŝĐĞŶƐĞĞ ŽĨ ƌĞĐŽƌĚ ĨŽƌ ĂŶLJ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů
ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƚŚĂƚ ŵĂLJ ďĞ ŶĞĞĚĞĚ Žƌ ƚŽ ƉŚLJƐŝĐĂůůLJ ůŽĐĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ǁĞůů͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ĚŝƐĐƵƐƐ ƚŚĞ
proposed development and abandoned well issue in more detail.
26.5
Notwithstanding whether ĂƵƐĞŵĂLJďĞĂƉĞƌŵŝƩĞĚƵƐĞŽƌĚŝƐĐƌĞƟŽŶĂƌLJƵƐĞ͕ƐƵƌĨĂĐĞ
structures on top of an abandoned gas ǁĞůůĂƌĞŶŽƚƉĞƌŵŝƩĞĚĂŶĚĂŵŝŶŝŵƵŵϱŵĞƚƌĞ
setback radius around the well shall be maintained.
SECTION 27
SETBACKS TO PIPELINES AND UTILITY RIGHT-OF-WAYS
27.1
No buildings or structures may encroach into a registered ƉŝƉĞůŝŶĞŽƌƵƟůŝƚLJƌŝŐŚƚ-of-way
unless ƉĞƌŵŝƐƐŝŽŶŝƐŐƌĂŶƚĞĚŝŶǁƌŝƟŶŐĨƌŽŵƚŚĞƌŝŐŚƚ-of-way holder or owner.
27.2
Development setbacks from involving pipeline and/or power line transmission lines and
ŽƚŚĞƌƵƟůŝƚLJĐŽƌƌŝĚŽƌƐƐŚĂůůďĞŝŶĂĐĐŽƌĚĂŶĐĞ with ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞWƌŽǀŝŶĐŝĂůZĞŐƵůĂƟŽŶƐŽƌ
ĐƚƐĂŶĚĂŶLJƌĞŐƵůĂƟŽŶƐŽƌĚŝƌĞĐƟǀĞƐĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚďLJƚŚĞ Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).