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PART 9 - DEFINITIONS
A
General Definitions
ABUTTING means immediately contiguous to or physically touching, and when
used with respect to a lot or site, means that the lot or site physically touches upon
another lot, site or piece of land, and shares a property line or boundary line with it.
ACCESSORY BUILDING means a detached building naturally or normally incidental,
subordinate, and exclusively devoted to the principal building and which is located
on the same lot or site as the principal building. Accessory buildings are not
intended to support any occupancy. Typical accessory buildings include, but are not
limited to, detached garages, sheds, gazebos, storage buildings and farm shops.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE means a detached structure naturally or normally
incidental, subordinate, and exclusively devoted to the principal building and which
is located on the same lot or site as the principal building. Typical accessory
structures include, but are not limited to, flagpoles, swimming pools, hot tubs,
satellite dishes, play structures, and solar collectors.
ACCESSORY USE means a use incidental and subordinate to the principal use,
located on the same lot or site as the principal use.
ACT or MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT means the Municipal Government Act,
R.S.A. 2000, c.M-26, as amended.
ADJACENT means contiguous to, or would be contiguous if not for a river, stream,
railway, road, utility right-of-way or public utility lot.
AMENITY AREA means in a residential development, an indoor and/or outdoor
space provided for the active or passive recreation and enjoyment of the occupants
of a residential development, which may be for private or communal use and owned
individually or in common.
Use Definitions
ABATTOIR means a building where livestock is slaughtered and the meat may be
cut, cured, smoked, aged, wrapped, or frozen for distribution to retail stores.
ACCESSORY DEVELOPMENT means a development (building, structure or use) that
is subordinate to, incidental to and located on the same site as the principal building
or use. Where a structure is attached to a principal building on a site by a roof, an
open or enclosed structure, a floor or foundation, or any structure below grade
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allowing access between the building and the accessory development, it shall be
considered part of the principal building. This use may include, but is not limited to
sheds, detached garages, and gazebos.
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT means a development where products or services are
provided that are of a sexual nature and show or display nudity or partial nudity.
This use may include, but is not limited to adult mini theatres, erotic dance clubs,
adult video stores, and retail love boutique/shops.
AGRICULTURE means the raising of crops or rearing of livestock, either separately
or in conjunction with one another. This may include apiculture, aquaculture and
vermiculture. This does not include confined feeding operations.
AIRCRAFT SALE/RENTAL means a premise used for the sale, charter, or rental of
aircraft together with incidental maintenance services, and the sale of parts and
accessories.
AIRPORT, PUBLIC means any area designed, prepared, equipped or set aside for
the arrival, departure, movement or servicing of commercial and private aircraft; it
includes any associated buildings, installations, open space, and equipment. This
also includes aircraft and airport-related manufacturing and services.
AMUSEMENT CENTRE means premises where amusement-oriented activities occur
outdoors or, in an enclosed structure and which includes, but is not limited to,
indoor laser tag and paintball arenas, billiard halls, mini-golf, go-karts, playgrounds,
or coin or token-operated, video, computer, or electronic games. This use shall not
include video lottery terminals.
ANIMAL BREEDING AND BOARDING FACILITY means a development used for the
breeding, boarding and training of domestic animals overnight or for periods
greater than twenty-four (24) hours. Typical uses are kennels and pet boarding
establishments.
ANIMAL SERVICE FACILITY, MAJOR means a development for the purpose of
treatment, medical procedures, boarding and training, includes retail sales of
associated products, and may require outdoor enclosures, pens, runs or exercise
areas. This includes animal hospitals, impounding and quarantining facilities, but
does not include the sale of animals.
ANIMAL SERVICE FACILITY, MINOR means a development primarily for the
purpose of outpatient care, small animal training not to exceed ten animals on the
premises at any one time for training purposes, treatment or grooming of animals
and includes retail sales of associated products. Boarding of small animals is
permitted when associated with a veterinary clinic. Outside enclosures, pens, runs
or exercise areas are not permitted. This use includes pet grooming salons and small
animal veterinary clinics but does not include animal hospitals.
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ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - see Special Care Facility
AUCTIONEERING FACILITY means a development intended for the auctioning of
goods and equipment, including the temporary storage of such goods and
equipment, but does not include livestock, farmers/flea markets or second-hand
retail stores.
AUTOBODY REPAIR AND PAINT SHOP means a development where automobiles,
trucks, and other vehicles undergo body repair and painting.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTRE means a development used for the repair and
maintenance of vehicles, which excludes the sale, or distribution of petroleum
products.
AUTOMOTIVE AND RECREATION VEHICLE REPAIR SHOPS means a development
used for the servicing and mechanical repair of automobiles, light trucks, utility
vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles and similar vehicles and/or the sale, installation
or servicing of related accessories and parts. This includes transmission shops,
muffler shops, tire shops, automotive glass shops, and upholstery shops.
AUTOMOTIVE AND RECREATION VEHICLE SALES/RENTAL means a development
used for the retail sale or rental of new or used automobiles, trucks, motorcycles,
snowmobiles, tent trailers, boats, travel trailers or similar light RV vehicles or crafts,
together with incidental maintenance services and sale of parts. This includes auto
dealerships, RV dealerships, car rental agencies and motorcycle dealerships. This
does not include commercial vehicle (truck dealerships or farm equipment
dealerships) or the sale of motorhomes.
B
General Definitions
BALCONY means a platform, attached to and projecting from the face of a building
with or without a supporting structure above the first storey, normally surrounded
by a balustrade or railing and used as an outdoor porch or sundeck where the only
means of access is provided from within the building.
BASEMENT means a portion of the building located below the first storey.
BUILDING means anything constructed or placed on, in, over or under land but does
not include a highway or public roadway or a bridge that forms part of a highway or
public roadway.
Use Definitions
BED AND BREAKFAST means a development of an owner-occupied dwelling
whereby temporary accommodation is provided to the public for remuneration with
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three (3) or fewer guest rooms and where breakfast, but no other meals, may also
be provided.
BULK FUEL SALES DEPOT means a development used for the bulk storage and
distribution of petroleum products primarily to commercial and industrial vehicles
and fleets and may include key lock retail sales.
BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICE means a development used to provide support
services to businesses, typical uses include but are not limited to printing
establishments, testing laboratories, janitorial firms, and office equipment sales,
rental or servicing, repair establishments, and sign shops.
C
General Definitions
CANOPY means a projection extending from the outside wall of a building normally
for the purpose of shielding a part of the building from the weather.
CANTILEVER means a projection of part of an exterior wall of a building not
supported by a foundation wall for the purposes of accommodating a bow window,
shelving units, closets, a fireplace or a portion of a bathroom. At no time shall a
cantilevered wall section extend the entire length of the room.
CARPORT means a roofed structure either free standing or attached to a building,
which is not enclosed on the front and at least one side, to shelter parked vehicles.
CHANGE OF USE means the act of changing the use occupying a tenant space,
building or parcel of Land to a different use.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE means any motorized vehicle that is designed or used for
any activity with the main purpose of financial gains, and shall include, but is not
limited to:
(a) Any vehicle licensed or used for commercial purposes and having a gross
vehicle weight (GVW) rating in excess of 4,000kg or exceeding seven meters in
length or any trailer licensed or used for commercial purposes;
(b) Any piece of construction equipment or agricultural equipment;
(c) Any vehicle not licensed as a commercial vehicle, but is used for the
collection or delivery, or both, of merchandise or commodities in the ordinary
course of a business undertaking; or
(d) Any vehicle that incorporates a boom (cherry picker) or similar mechanical
fitting. .
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE means a document which may be issued by a
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Development Officer, upon request and payment of the required fees, indicating
whether a building(s) located on a site is (are) located in accordance with the
setback regulations of this bylaw. A compliance certificate shall not operate as a
development permit nor shall it approve any variance to the setback regulations of
this bylaw not previously approved.
CONDOMINIUM means a condominium development containing condominium
units that assign ownership to units of land, created specifically through subdivision
and registered as a condominium plan in accordance with the Condominium
Property Act.
CORNER means the intersection of any two property lines of a site.
CORNER LOT means a lot that abuts two intersecting streets, other than a lane.
COUNCIL means the Council of the municipal corporation of the Town of Tofield
CURB CUT means the lowering of a curb, sidewalk or boulevard to provide a
driveway for vehicular and pedestrian access to a site.
Use Definitions
CAMPGROUND means development which has been planned and improved for the
short and long-term use of holiday trailers, campers, motor homes, and similar
recreation vehicles within a defined area. Related facilities that are accessory to and
support the campground such as an administrative office, laundromat, convenience
store, picnic grounds and playgrounds may be included on-site.
CANNABIS means cannabis plant, fresh cannabis, dried cannabis, cannabis oil and
cannabis plant seeds and any other substance defined as cannabis in the Cannabis
Act (Canada) and its regulations as amended from time to time and include
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edible products that contain cannabis.
CANNABIS ACCESSORY - means cannabis accessory as defined in the Cannabis Act
(Canada) and its regulations, as amended from time to time.
CANNABIS LOUNGE/CAFE - means development where the primary purpose of the
facility is the sale of cannabis to the public, for the consumption within the premises
that is authorized by provincial or federal legislation. This use does not include
cannabis production and distribution, bars and neighborhood pubs, nightclubs,
private clubs, etc.
CANNABIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION - means development used
principally for one or more of the following activities as it related to cannabis:
(a) The production, cultivation, and growth of cannabis;
(b) The processing of raw materials;
(c) The making, testing, manufacturing, assembling or in any way altering the
chemical or physical properties of semi-finished or finished good and
products;
(d) The storage or transshipping of materials, goods and products; or
(e) The distribution and materials, goods and products to cannabis retail sales
stores or to individual customers.
CANNABIS RETAIL SALES - means a development used as a retail store, licensed by
the Province of Alberta, where non-medical cannabis and cannabis accessories are
available for sale to the general public. This does not include cannabis production
and distribution.
CAR WASH means a development providing interior and/or exterior cleaning
services to motor vehicles. Typical uses include interior and exterior
automotive/drive through or coin/time operated car washes, which may or may not
be accessory to a service station or gas bar.
CEMETERY means development of a parcel of land primarily as landscaped open
space for the entombment of the deceased, and may include the following accessory
developments: crematoria, columbaria and mausoleums. Typical uses include
memorial parks, burial grounds and gardens of remembrance.
CHILD CARE SERVICES means a development to provide care, educational activities
and supervision, without overnight accommodation, for groups of seven or more
children under the age of 13 years. This includes daycare centres, out of school care
centres, and preschools.
COMMERCIAL SCHOOL means a development used for the training, instruction
and/or certification in a specific trade, skill, or service for the financial gain of the
individual or company owning the school. Typical uses include business, hair stylist,
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dance or music schools.
COMMUNICATION TOWER means the components; either individually or in
combination, needed to operate wireless transmitters or receivers, antennas,
control equipment, and possible equipment shelter. A wireless communication
facility is not normally staffed on a permanent basis and only requires periodic
maintenance
COMMUNITY GARDEN means a plot of land used by a group of community
members to grow vegetables and fruit for personal use and consumption.
COMMUNITY SERVICE FACILITY means a development for use by the public or
public groups for cultural or community activities. Typical uses include museums,
libraries, tourist information/interpretive centres.
CONGREGATE HOUSING means housing in multiple unit form for semi-
independent persons and may provide living and sleeping facilities, meal
preparation, laundry services, transportation, counseling and room cleaning. This
does not include Group Home Major, Group Home Minor, or Special Care Facility.
CONTRACTOR SERVICE, GENERAL means development used for the provision of
building and road construction services, landscaping, concrete, and electrical,
excavation, drilling, heating, plumbing or similar services of a construction nature
which require on-site outdoor storage space for materials, equipment, and vehicles.
Any sales, display, office or technical support service areas shall be accessory to the
principal use only.
CONTRACTOR SERVICE, LIMITED means development used for the provision of
electrical, plumbing, heating, painting and similar contractor services primarily to
individual households and the accessory sale of goods normally associated with the
contractor services where all materials are kept within an enclosed building, and
there are no outdoor manufacturing activities or fleet storage of more than four (4)
vehicles.
CONVENIENCE RETAIL STORE means a development used for the retail sale of
goods from premises that do not exceed 235m2 in gross floor area. This includes but
is not limited to a small food store, a drug store or variety stores selling
confectionery tobacco, groceries, beverages, pharmaceutical and personal care
items, or printed matter. This definition does not include cannabis retail sales.
CUSTOM INDOOR MANUFACTURING means development used for on-site
manufacturing, production, assembling of semi-finished or finished goods, products
and equipment normally associated with building or household use. This includes
but it not limited to toy and musical instrument manufacturing, cabinet and
furniture manufacturing and computer components. This does not include repair
shops or those uses identified under custom workshops.
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CUSTOM WORKSHOPS means development used for the production by a trade,
craft or guild for the manufacture or processing of clothing, articles or craft objects.
Typical uses may include a photography studio, pottery and sculpture studio, and
art studio. This may include the provision of classes; however, this shall be
accessory to the principal use. This does not include those uses listed under custom
indoor manufacturing.
D
General Definitions
DANGEROUS GOODS means Dangerous Goods as defined in the Alberta Fire Code,
as amended from time to time, and are produced, handled, stored, used or disposed
of on any site.
DECK (or PATIO) means an uncovered horizontal structure, without a roof or walls
(except for railings), which is designed and intended for use as a private amenity
space.
DENSITY means the number of dwelling units on a site divided by the land area of
the site.
DEVELOPMENT means:
(a) An excavation or stockpile and the creation of either of them;
(b) A building or an addition to or replacement or repair of a building and the
construction or placing of any of them in, on, over or under land;
(c) A change of use of land or a building or an act done in relation to land or a
building that results in, or is likely to result in, a change in the use of the land or
building; or
(d) A change in intensity of use of land or a building or an act done in relation to
land or a building that results in, or is likely to result in, a change in the intensity of
use of the land or building.
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY means a person or body appointed as the
Development Authority for the Town who exercises development powers and
duties, as contemplated by, and in accordance with, the Municipal Government Act.
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER means any Town employee, person or organization
designated as the Development Officer for the Town.
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT means a planning application that allows the Town to
review a development, pursuant to the Land Use Bylaw, which includes the plans
and conditions of approval.
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DISCRETIONARY USE means those uses of land, buildings or structures for which a
development permit may be approved or refused at the discretion of the
Development Officer. This allows for flexibility in design but reduces certainty of
approval.
DRIVE AISLE means an area used for access to and from on-site parking spaces but
does not include an access driveway.
DRIVEWAY means an area that provides access for vehicles from a public or private
roadway to a garage or parking area.
DWELLING means a self-contained living accommodation comprised of a kitchen,
washroom, sleeping and living area with a separate private entrance from the
exterior or interior of a building. This does not include a recreational vehicle, a park
model trailer or a room in a hotel or a motel. Dwelling shall also mean dwelling unit.
Use Definitions
DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICE means a development that provides rapid customer
service where the customer typically remains within the vehicle or waits in the
premises. This land use includes but is not limited to coffee shops, lubrication shops.
DWELLING, APARTMENT means a building containing three or more dwelling
units that share a common external access and a common corridor system.
DWELLING, BACKYARD SUITE means an accessory use on the same lot as the
principal dwelling, which is either a separate one (1) storey building having no
garage component, or a suite above an accessory(garage) building or to the rear of
an accessory building (at grade), or a suite within an accessory building. A backyard
suite has cooking, food preparation, sleeping and sanitary facilities which are
separate from those of the principal dwelling. The gross floor area of a backyard
suite forms part of the total accessory gross floor area allowed in the District. This
may include a Tiny Home, which is constructed in accordance with the Alberta
Building Code but does not include a Park Model and Recreational Vehicle Dwelling
or Secondary Suite.
DWELLING, DUPLEX means a building containing only two dwelling units on the
same site with one dwelling placed over the other in whole or in part, each with a
separate and individual access. This does not include a semi-detached dwelling or
secondary suite.
DWELLING, PARK MODEL and RECREATIONAL VEHICLE - CSA Z241 and CSA
Z240 RV certification, sized to a maximum 50m2 gross floor area, including lofts.
These units are intended for seasonal occupancy only and shall only be allowed in
land use districts where the use is a listed use in the district.
DWELLING, MULTI-ATTACHED means development consisting of three or more
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dwelling units separated by common walls and located either on a single lot or with
each unit on an individual lot, each dwelling unit having at least one separate
entrance. Typical uses include townhouses and row houses.
DWELLING, SECONDARY SUITE means development consisting of a dwelling unit
located within and accessory to a structure in which the principal use is a single
detached dwelling. A Secondary Suite shall not be permitted within any other use
class. A Secondary Suite has self-contained living accommodation which is
physically separate from those of the principal dwelling within the structure. A
Secondary Suite shall have an entrance separate from the entrance to the principal
dwelling, either from a common indoor landing or directly from the side or rear of
the structure. This may include the development or conversion of basement space
or above-grade space to a separate dwelling, or the addition of new floor space for a
Secondary Suite to an existing Single Detached Dwelling.
DWELLING, SEMI-DETACHED means development consisting of two dwelling units
joined in whole or in part at the side with no dwelling being placed over another in
whole or in part. Each dwelling is located on a separate site and has individual,
separate and direct access to grade. A semi-detached dwelling cannot accommodate
a secondary suite. This does not include a duplex dwelling or secondary suite.
DWELLING, SINGLE DETACHED means development consisting of a detached
building containing one dwelling unit, except where a secondary suite may be
considered in accordance with this Bylaw. This may include modular homes or
Ready-To-Move (RTM) homes subject to compliance with the regulations of the
district and architectural requirements. This does not include Tiny Homes.
DWELLING, TINY HOME - means a development consisting of a detached building
containing one dwelling unit of less than 400 sq. ft in size. All Land Use bylaw
regulations, and safety requirements, including building and fire codes must be met.
These permits and codes include a provision that to be permanently occupied, the
structure must be built on a permanent foundation and be fully serviced with
utilities such as water and sewer lines. A Tiny home shall only be considered if a
Dwelling, Backyard Suite is a listed use in the land use district.
E
General Definitions
EASEMENT means a registered right to use land owned by another, generally for
access to other property or as a right of way for a public utility.
Use Definitions
EDUCATION, PRIVATE means a development for instruction and education which
is not maintained at public expense and which may or may not offer courses of
study equivalent to those offered in a public school or private instruction. This use
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may include accessory uses such as a dormitory, an accessory building, or school
bus parking. This use does not include commercial schools.
EDUCATION, PUBLIC means a development that is publicly supported and involves
public assembly for education, training or instruction purposes. This use includes
the administration offices required for the provision of such services on the same
site. Typical uses include, but are not limited to public and separate schools,
community colleges, universities and technical and vocational schools. This use does
not include private education or commercial schools.
EMERGENCY SERVICE means a development used for the public protection of
persons and property. Typical uses include police stations, fire stations and
ancillary training facilities.
EQUIPMENT SALES AND SERVICE, MAJOR means a development used for the sale,
rental, service, or repair of commercial and industrial vehicles, machinery or
mechanical equipment typically used in building, roadway, pipeline, oil field and
mining construction, manufacturing, assembling and processing operations, and
agricultural production. This use includes the sale, installation, servicing or storage
of related accessories and parts, and includes truck and heavy equipment shops.
EQUIPMENT SALES, SERVICE AND RENTALS means a development where
residential, industrial and/or commercial equipment is kept for sale, lease or rental
to the public. The equipment may include items such as lawn and garden tools, floor
cleaning equipment, and masonry tools, painting and decorating equipment, moving
tools, plumbing tools, power tools and other similar products.
F
General Definitions
FENCE means a structure constructed at ground level to prevent or restrict passage,
provide visual screening, noise attenuation or to mark a boundary.
FLANKING YARD means the portion of a lot or site abutting the flanking lot line
extending from the front yard to the rear yard. The front flanking yard is situated
between the flanking lot line and the nearest wall of the principal building.
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FLANKING YARD SETBACK means the distance that a development or a specified
portion of it must be setback from the flanking lot line. A flanking yard setback is
not a front yard, amenity space or separation space
FLOOR AREA RATIO means the numerical value of the gross floor area on all levels
of all buildings on a lot, divided by the area of the lot.
FOUNDATION means the lower portion of a building, usually concrete or masonry,
including the footings that transfer the weight loads of a building to the ground.
FRONTAGE means the length of a public roadway boundary measured along the
front lot lines of a site. On corner sites or double fronting sites, all sides of a site
adjacent to public roadways shall be considered frontage.
FRONT LOT LINE means the property line separating a lot from an abutting public
roadway other than a lane. In the case of a corner lot, the front lot line is the shorter
of the property lines abutting a public roadway other than a lane.
FRONT SETBACK means the distance that a development or a specified portion of it
must be setback from a front lot line. A front setback is not a front yard, amenity
space or separation space.
FRONT YARD means the portion of a site abutting the front lot line extending across
the full width of the site, situated between the front lot line and the nearest wall of
the principal building, not including projections.
Use Definitions
FAMILY DAY HOME means an accessory use in a dwelling used to provide care and
supervision, but not overnight accommodation, to a maximum of six children. This
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number shall include any children under the age of five who are otherwise
permanent residents of the dwelling.
FARMERS MARKET means a development used for the sale of new or used goods
by multiple vendors renting tables or space either in or out of an enclosed building.
Vendors may vary from day to day, although the general layout of space to be rented
remains the same. Such uses are usually of a seasonal nature.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE PRODUCTS means a commercial facility in which food or
beverage products or both are manufactured, produced or otherwise prepared for
human consumption but not consumed on the premises. This may include a retail
component; however, this retail component shall be accessory to the principal use.
Typical uses may include a bakery, pre-packaged foods, water bottling and catering
facilities. This does not include food service, mobile catering. The impact of this use
shall not extend beyond the boundaries of the building.
FOOD SERVICE, MOBILE CATERING means the delivery and sale of food to the
public using a fleet of vehicles.
FOOD SERVICE, RESTAURANT means a development where the primary purpose
is the sale of prepared foods and beverages to the public for consumption on or off
the site. This use includes licensed restaurants; this use may also include seasonal
outdoor patio seating. This definition does not include cannabis retail sales or
cannabis lounge/café.
FOOD SERVICE, SPECIALTY means a development where limited types of prepared
foods and beverages, excluding alcoholic beverages, are offered for sale to the public
for consumption on or off the site. Typical uses are coffee, donut, bagel, sandwich or
dessert shops. This use may also include seasonal outdoor patio seating. This
definition does not include cannabis lounge/café.
FLEET SERVICE means a development using a fleet of vehicles for the delivery of
people, goods and services, where such vehicles are not available for sale or long-
term lease. This includes but is not limited to bus lines (including school buses),
messenger and courier services. This does not include moving or cartage firms
involving trucks.
FUNERAL SERVICE means a development for the preparation of the deceased for
burial or cremation, and the holding of associated services. This includes funeral
homes and crematoriums.
G
General Definitions
GARAGE means an accessory structure or part of the principal building, designed
and used primarily for the storage of motor vehicles.
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GRADE means the ground elevation established for the purpose of regulating the
number of stories and the height of a building or structure.
GRADE, BUILDING means the average level of finished ground adjoining the main
front wall of a building (not including an attached garage), except for areas such as
vehicle or pedestrian entrances need not be considered in the determination of
average levels of finished ground.
GROSS FLOOR AREA (GFA) means the total floor area of a building within the
exterior and basement walls. This does not include basement areas used exclusively
for storage or service to the building, parking areas below grade, and areas devoted
exclusively to mechanical or electrical equipment servicing the development.
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (GVW) means the total weight of a vehicle, including its
maximum allowable load.
Use Definitions
GAS BAR means a development for the sale of motor fuel, lubricating oils,
automotive fluids, and associated convenience store products. This does not include
service stations or car wash facilities.
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL means a development used for one or more of the following
activities: manufacturing, processing, assembling, cleaning, repairing, servicing,
testing, storage, warehousing or distribution of materials, products or equipment;
and may include the training of personal in general industrial operations. Accessory
uses may include indoor display, office, technical or administrative support areas or
any sales operation directly associated with the general industrial activities on-site.
This use shall exclude natural resource development. This definition does not
include cannabis production and distribution.
GOVERNMENT SERVICE means a development providing municipal, provincial or
federal government services directly to the public. Typical uses include, but are not
limited to taxation offices, courthouses, postal stations, manpower and employment
offices, and social service offices. This use does not include detention and
correctional service, emergency services or utility services, either major or minor.
GREENHOUSE means a facility used for the raising, storage and sales of produce,
bedding, ornamental plans, trees as well as associated products. The main part of
the building must be plant related and any aggregate sales must be a minor
accessory component only. This use does not include cannabis production and
distribution.
GROUP HOME, MAJOR means a care facility licensed by the Province of Alberta to
provide room and board for more than six (6) residents with physical, mental,
social, or behavioural problems that require professional care, guidance and
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supervision. The character of the use is that the occupants live together as a single
housekeeping group and use a common kitchen. This does not include Congregate
Housing or Special Care Facilities.
GROUP HOME, MINOR means the use of one dwelling unit as a care facility licensed
by the Province of Alberta to provide room and board for residents with physical,
mental, social, or behavioural problems that require professional care, guidance and
supervision. A group home, minor may include, to a maximum of six (6), any
combination of staff, residents requiring care, and residents not requiring care. The
character of the use is that the occupants live together as a single housekeeping
group and use a common kitchen. This does not include Congregate Housing or
Special Care Facilities.
H
General Definitions
HARDSURFACING means the provision of a durable, dust free material such as
asphalt, concrete, paving stone or similar material that is used in the construction of
a driveway or parking area. This does not include gravel or clay.
HEIGHT means the vertical distance between grade (at the base of the building) and
the highest point of the building, excluding an elevator housing, a mechanical
housing, a roof stairway entrance, a ventilating fan, a skylight, a steeple, a chimney, a
smoke stack, a firewall, a parapet wall, a flagpole or similar device not structurally
essential to the building.
HIGHWAY means a highway as defined under the Highways Development and
Protection Act, as amended.
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HOME BUSINESS VEHICLE means any vehicle or any trailer that is used in the
operation of the home business that is normally maintained, parked, or stored on
the lot of the home business. This shall not include commercial vehicles.
Use Definitions
HEALTH SERVICE, MAJOR means a development for provision of surgical or other
medical treatment for the sick, injured or infirmed including outpatient services and
accessory staff residences. This includes but is not limited to hospitals, clinics,
continuing care facilities, mental health facilities and community health sites.
HEALTH SERVICE, MINOR means a development for provision of physical and
mental health services on an outpatient basis. Services may be of a preventive,
diagnostic, treatment, and therapeutic, rehabilitative or counseling nature. This
includes medical and dental offices, health clinics, acupuncture clinics,
physiotherapy, massage therapy and counseling services. This definition does not
include cannabis retail sales.
HOME BUSINESS, MAJOR means the use of a principal dwelling, or combination of a
principal dwelling and an accessory building, by a resident of the dwelling unit and a
maximum of one (1) non-resident on-site employee for a business activity that may
generate more than six (6) business associated visits per day. The business use must
be secondary to the residential use of the building; shall not change the residential
character of the dwelling or accessory structure; and, shall occupy a maximum of 30
percent of the dwelling unit's gross floor area plus a maximum of 30 percent of the
gross floor area of all accessory buildings. This definition does not include cannabis
retail sales or cannabis production and distribution.
HOME BUSINESS, MINOR means the use of a principal dwelling by a resident of the
dwelling for a business activity which shall not require any business associated
visits; shall not be detectable from outside the property; shall not have any non-
resident employees and shall not extend to the use of the garage or outside yard.
This use shall not include family day homes. This definition does not include
cannabis retail sales or cannabis production and distribution.
HOTEL means development used for the provision of rooms or suites for temporary
or short-term sleeping accommodation where the rooms have access from a
common interior corridor. This use may include accessory eating and drinking
establishments, meeting rooms, personal services and retail stores.
HOUSEHOLD REPAIR SERVICES means development used for the provision of
repair services to goods, equipment and appliances normally found within the
home. This includes but is not limited to electronic repair appliance repair,
furniture refinishing, and upholstery shops but does not include personal services.
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I
General Definitions
INTERIOR LOT means any lot other than a corner lot
L
General Definitions
LANDSCAPING means the preservation or modification of the natural features of a
site through the placement or addition of any or a combination of the following:
. Soft landscaping elements (such as trees, shrubs, plants, lawns and ornamental
plantings); and
. Hard surfacing elements (such as bricks, pavers, shale, and crushed rock).
This does not include monolithic concrete and asphalt (such as patios, walkways,
and paths), and architectural elements (such as decorative fencing, walls, sculpture).
LAND USE means the purpose or activity for which a piece of land or its buildings
are designed, arranged, developed or intended, or for which it is occupied or
maintained.
LAND USE DISTRICT means an area of the Town established as a Land Use District
by this Bylaw.
LANE means an alley or narrow public roadway intended to give access to the rear
of buildings and parcels of land. For the purposes of determining setbacks, a lane is
not a road.
LOADING SPACE means an on-site parking space reserved for temporary parking
for the purpose of loading or unloading of goods and materials.
LOT means:
(a) A quarter section;
(b) A river lot shown on an official plan, as defined in the Surveys Act, that is
filed or lodged in a Land Titles Office;
(c) A settlement lot shown on an official plan, as defined in the Surveys Act, that
is filed or lodged in a Land Titles Office;
(d) A part of a parcel of Land described in a certificate of title if the boundaries
of the part are described in the certificate of title other than by reference to a
legal subdivision; or
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(e) A part of a parcel of Land described in a certificate of title if the boundaries
of the part are described in a certificate of title by reference to a plan of
subdivision.
LOT AREA means the total area within the lot lines.
LOT DEPTH means the horizontal distance between the midpoints of the front and
rear lot lines.
LOT LINE means the legally defined boundary of any lot.
LOT, PIE means a lot that is generally configured such that its width at the rear lot
line is greater than at its front lot line.
LOT, REVERSE PIE means a lot which is generally configured such that its width at
the rear lot line is less than at its front lot line.
LOT WIDTH means the distance between the midpoints of the side lot lines. In the
case of:
(a) an irregularly shaped lot such as a pie lot, the width shall be measured at the
distance between the side lot lines at 9.0m from the front lot line; or
(b) for a reverse pie lot, the width shall be measured at the distance between the
side lot lines 22.0m from the front lot line.
Where lot width cannot be reasonably calculated by these methods, the
Development Officer shall determine the lot width having regard to the access,
shape and buildable area of the lot.
Use Definitions
LANDSCAPING SALES AND SERVICE means a development used for the purpose of
selling soft landscaping materials such as plants, trees and shrubs, as well as hard
landscaping materials such as bricks, pavers, shale, crushed rock or, other similar
materials associated with landscaping. This does not include a business engaged in
the sale of lawn and garden equipment. This definition does not include cannabis
production and distribution.
M
General Definitions
MANUFACTURED HOME (MOBILE HOME) - means a one-storey building, single
dwelling unit only, constructed in a factory in one or more modules in conformance
with CSA Z240 MH Series and is ready for occupancy on completion of installation
on a foundation, connection of services, and other set-up in accordance with the
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manufacturer's installation instructions. Since 1992, any home constructed to this
standard cannot be sited in Alberta.
MODULAR HOME - means a building providing a single dwelling unit only,
constructed in a factory in one or more modules in accordance with the provincially
adopted National Building Code/regulation (CSA A277) and is ready for occupancy
on completion of installation on a foundation, connection of services and other set-
up in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions, the Alberta
Building Code and the regulations of the land use bylaw.
MODULAR HOME PARK means a parcel of land under one title, which has been
divided into lots which can accommodate modular homes. Responsibility for the
maintenance of internal roadways, underground services, communal areas and
buildings, snow clearance, and garbage collection, together with general park
operations, rests with the owner of the lands.
MOVED-ON BUILDING means an existing building or other structure that was
located off-site in its entirety, at some point in time, and is transported to a site for
the intended placement and use thereof. This use may include a dwelling or
detached garage but does not include modular home.
MULTI-TENANT DEVELOPMENT means a development of two or more commercial
or industrial uses developed on a site that includes common property, such as but
not limited to, communal parking areas, driveways, private roadways, amenity
areas, or maintenance areas that are shared. Multi-tenant developments may
include rental projects and conventional condominium developments.
Use Definitions
MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT - means a multi-storey building containing a dwelling
unit in combination with a commercial use on the same site. The composition of
uses will be those uses listed in the district located on the ground floor with
residential units above. In these developments, residential uses shall not be on the
same floor as commercial uses and shall not be on the ground floor.
MOTEL means a development used for the provision of rooms or suites for
temporary lodging and may be equipped with individual kitchen facilities, with a
separate exterior entrance. Motels may include accessory food and beverage
facilities.
N
General Definitions
NATURAL AREA means natural, sensitive or scenic lands owned by the Town that
are identified for conservation or nature appreciations or both.
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NON-CONFORMING BUILDING means a building:
(a) that is lawfully constructed or lawfully under construction at the date a land
use bylaw affecting the building or land on which the building is situated
becomes effective, and
(b) that on the date the land use bylaw becomes effective does not, or when
constructed will not, comply with the land use bylaw.
As defined in the Municipal Government Act, as amended
NON-CONFORMING USE means a lawful specific use:
(a) being made of land or a building or intended to be made of a building
lawfully under construction at the date a land use bylaw affecting the land or
building becomes effective, and
(b) that on the date the land use bylaw becomes effective does not, or in the case
of a building under construction will not, comply with the land use bylaw.
As defined in the Municipal Government Act, as amended.
NON-RESIDENT ON-SITE EMPLOYEE means any person employed by the resident
operator of a home business who normally works on the site of the home business.
Employees who work off-site or occasionally attend the site shall not be considered
a non-resident on-site employee.
NUISANCE means anything that may cause adverse effects to the amenities of the
neighborhood or interfere with the normal enjoyment of adjacent land or building.
This could include that which creates or is liable to create: noise, vibration, smoke,
dust, odor, heat, electrical interference, glare, light, fumes, fire, explosion, or any
other hazard to health or safety; and unsightly or unsafe storage of goods, salvage,
junk, waste or other materials.
Use Definitions
NATURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT means development for the processing of
raw materials extracted either on a site or transported from another site. Typical
uses include petroleum upgrading and gravel processing.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PUB means a premise where the primary purpose is the sale of
alcoholic beverages and food for consumption on the site. This includes bars, and
cocktail lounges, and may include live entertainment but does not include adult
entertainment. This definition does not include cannabis lounge/café.
O
General Definitions
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OVERLAY means additional development regulations superimposed on specific
areas of the Land Use Map, which supersede or add to the development regulations
of the underlying Land Use District.
OWNER means the Crown or the registered owner(s) of an estate in fee simple, or
any other person(s) having a legal interest in the lot or site, or an authorized agent
designated in writing.
Use Definitions
OUTDOOR STORAGE means the storage of equipment, goods, and materials in the
open air. This includes but is not limited to pipe yards, vehicle or heavy equipment
storage compounds, storage of construction materials, or storage unrelated to the
principal use of the lot or site. This does not include storage that is accessory to the
principal use or recreational vehicle storage.
P
General Definitions
PARAPET or PARAPET WALL means that portion of a perimeter building wall that
rises above the roof.
PARKING SPACE means an on-site space of a size and dimension to park one
vehicle, exclusive of driveways, aisles, ramps or obstructions.
PARTY WALL means a wall jointly owned and jointly used under an easement
agreement or by right in law and erected at or upon a line separating two parcels of
land, each of which is, or is capable of being, a separate lot.
PATIO see DECK
PERMITTED USE means those uses of land, buildings and structures for which
permits must be issued if the development meets all applicable regulations of this
Bylaw. This allows for certainty of approval but reduces flexibility of design.
PRINCIPAL USE means the primary purpose for which a building, or site is used, in
the opinion of the Development Officer.
PROJECTION means structures projecting from the wall of a building. Common
structures include balconies, raised terraces, fireplaces, bay windows, and decks.
PROVINCE OF ALBERTA means the provincial body having the relevant authority.
PUBLIC UTILITY means a system or works used to provide water or steam, sewage
disposal, public transportation operated by or on behalf of the municipality,
irrigation, drainage, fuel, electric power, heat, waste management,
telecommunications and includes the thing that is provided for public consumption,
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benefit, convenience or use.
PUBLIC UTILITY LOT means a lot owned by the Town that is designated as a utility
lot with the Land Titles Office and is designed to accommodate one or more public
utilities, pedestrian walkways or multi-use trails.
Use Definitions
PARK means public land developed for recreational, educational, cultural or
aesthetic purposes that may or may not require buildings or facilities, and may
include playing fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, pedestrian and bicycle paths, dog
off-leash areas, natural areas, landscaped areas and associated public washrooms.
PARKING, NON-ACCESSORY means development providing vehicular parking that
is not primarily intended for the use of residents, employees or clients of a
particular development. This includes surface parking lots.
PERSONAL SERVICE means a development used for the provision of services to an
individual that are related to the care and appearance of the body, or the cleaning
and repair of personal effects. This includes uses such as aesthetician, hair stylist,
barber shop, massage therapy, dry cleaning outlet, tailor, but does not include
health services minor or major. This definition does not include cannabis retail
sales.
PRIVATE CLUB means a development used for the meeting, social or recreational
activities of members of a non-profit philanthropic, social service, and athletic,
business or fraternal organization, without on-site residences. Private Clubs may
include rooms for eating, drinking and assembly.
PROFESSIONAL and OFFICE SERVICE means a development primarily used for the
provision of professional, management, administrative, consulting, and financial
services. Typical uses include offices of lawyers, accountants, engineers, and
architects; real estate and insurance firms; banks, and similar financial uses, which
financial uses may include drive-through automated tellers.
R
General Definitions
REAR LOT LINE means the property line of a lot, which is furthest from and
opposite the front lot line.
REAR SETBACK means the distance that a development or a specified portion of it
must be set back from a rear lot line. A rear setback is not a rear yard, amenity
space of separation space.
REAR YARD means the portion of a site abutting the rear lot line extending across
23
the full width of the site, situated between the rear lot line and the nearest wall of
the principal building, not including projections.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE means a wheeled structure designed to provide
temporary living quarters or used as a form of recreation or transportation, which
may or may not be a motor vehicle itself. Typical examples are travel trailers, 5th
wheels, motor homes, boats, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.
RIGHT-OF-WAY means an interest in land, most commonly granted for municipal
utilities where there is a need for a continuous right-of-way under one or more
parcels of land, which is registered only against the land, which is subject to the
interest.
ROAD means land shown as a road on a plan of survey that has been filed or
registered in a Land Titles Office or used as a public road and includes a bridge
forming part of a public road and any structure incidental to a public road. This
does not include a highway.
ROOFLINE means the horizontal line made by the intersection of the wall of the
building with the roof of the building or the top of the edge of the parapet. In the
case of a building with a pitched roof, the roofline shall be at the eave level.
Use Definitions
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE STORAGE means a development, either as a principal or
accessory use, where recreational vehicles are stored on a site when they are not in
use. This use does not include a campground or outdoor storage of equipment,
containers or abandoned vehicles.
RECREATION FACILITY, INDOOR means a development providing facilities that
are available to the public for sports and recreational activities conducted indoors.
Typical uses include indoor swimming pools, hockey rinks, gymnasiums, and indoor
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tennis courts, curling rinks, bowling alleys and indoor athletic fields but do not
include indoor gun ranges.
RECREATION FACILITY, OUTDOOR means a development providing facilities that
are available to the public for sports and recreational activities conducted outdoors.
Typical uses include golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, sports fields, parks,
outdoor tennis courts, ice surfaces or rinks, athletic fields, boating facilities, bowling
greens, and fitness trails but does not include outdoor gun ranges.
RECYCLING DEPOT means a development used for the buying and temporary
storage of bottles, cans, newspapers and similar household goods for reuse, where
all storage is contained within an enclosed building. This does not include recycling
drop-off.
RECYCLING DROP-OFF means a development used for the collection and
temporary storage of bottles, cans, newspapers and similar household goods in
unattended containers placed in public areas. All materials shall be contained
within the recycling containers and removed periodically for transfer to another
facility. This use does not include a recycling depot.
RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY means a development used for worship and related
religious, philanthropic or social activities and includes accessory buildings and
activities such as rectories, manses, meeting rooms, food preparation and services
facilities, classrooms, and dormitories. This includes churches, chapels, mosques,
temples and synagogues, convents and monasteries. It does not include Private
Education, Public Education or Commercial Schools even as an accessory use.
RETAIL, ALCOHOL means a development used for the retail sale of any and all
types of alcohol and associated products, to the general public. This includes a liquor
store or a wine or beer store.
RETAIL, GENERAL means a development where consumer goods are offered for
sale to the general public and includes limited on-site storage or seasonal outdoor
sales to support that store's operations. Ancillary services such as, but not limited
to postal outlets or cleaning appliance rentals, are permitted within a general retail
premises. This includes but is not limited to a grocery, hardware, pharmacy,
appliance or sporting goods store. This does not include warehouse sales,
secondhand retail, a service station, retail alcohol or cannabis retail sales.
RETAIL, SECONDHAND means development used for the retail or consignment sale
of secondhand personal or household goods, including the minor repair of goods on-
site. Typical uses include clothing, jewelry, book and antique stores. This does not
include sale of used vehicles of any kind, construction or industrial equipment.
S
General Definitions
25
SATELLITE DISH means an accessory structure designed to send or receive
telecommunication signals from a satellite
SCREENING means a fence, wall, berm or landscaping feature used to visually
separate areas or functions.
SETBACK means the distance that a development or a specified portion of it must
be set back from a property line. A setback is not a yard, amenity space or
separation space.
SIDE LOT LINE means the property line of a lot other than a front lot line or rear lot
line.
SIDE SETBACK means the distance that a development or a specified portion of it
must be setback from a side lot line. A side setback is not a side yard, amenity space
or separation space.
SIDE YARD means that portion of a site abutting a side lot line extending from the
front yard to the rear yard. The side yard is situated between the side lot line and
the nearest wall of the principal building, not including projections.
SIGHT TRIANGLE means a triangular portion of land established at roadway
intersections in which nothing shall be erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow
in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists or
pedestrians entering or leaving the intersection.
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SIGN means any devise or fixture intended to identify or convey information or to
advertise or attract attention to a product, service, place, activity, event, person,
institution or business.
SIGN, A-FRAME means a sign with two angled sides, to which copy can be, applied
that meet at the top to form the shape of a triangle, or an inverted "V", when resting
directly on the ground.
SIGN, BILLBOARD means a sign directing attention to a business, commodity,
service or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the site
where the sign is located.
SIGN, BUILDING FACE means that portion of any exterior elevation of a building
exposed to public view, extending from the grade to the eaves or the top of the
parapet wall and the entire length of the building elevation, including all areas
divided by firewalls.
SIGN, CHANGEABLE COPY means a freestanding sign consisting of a base placed in
or on the ground, with a flat copy area of one or two sides to which copy can be
applied and is designed to allow for the message or advertising to be changed
frequently and easily.
SIGN, COMMUNITY EVENT INFORMATION means a permanent sign of a standard
design with a changeable display feature that is used for advertising community
events or notices.
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL means a sign designed to guide or direct pedestrians or
motorists.
SIGN, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE means a sign that displays text, scrolling text, or
characters, through electronically controlled single-color changing lights or digital
programming.
SIGN, ELECTION means an event that indicates support for a candidate or, the
27
position on a referendum or plebiscite pursuant to municipal, provincial or federal
legislation.
SIGN, FASCIA means any sign painted on or attached to an exterior building wall, or
any other permitted structure, running parallel to the face of the building. The copy
on the sign identifies or advertises a business, activity, service or product located on
the premises or site where the sign is located. Typical fascia signs include painted
signs and wall signs.
SIGN, FREESTANDING means a sign that is supported on a permanent, non-
moveable structure other than a building. Typical freestanding signs include
revolving signs, pylon signs, entrance signs and menu board signs.
SIGN, HOME BUSINESS means a sign installed, erected or displayed to identify a
business located on a lot within a residential district and contains only the name of
the business on site.
SIGN, IDENTIFICATION means a sign that identifies the name, municipal address,
institution, person or activity located within a development. This type of sign
contains no advertising.
SIGN, INFLATABLE means an air-inflated sign which is anchored or affixed to the
ground or, to the roof of a building.
SIGN, OFFICIAL means a sign required by or erected pursuant to the provisions of
federal, provincial or municipal legislation.
SIGN, PORTABLE means a sign that has independent supports and is easily
moveable with a flat copy area of one or two sides to which copy can be applied and
that is designed to allow for the message or advertising to be changed frequently
and easily.
SIGN, PROJECTING means a sign that is attached to an exterior building wall and
may extend beyond the face of the building or structure. Typical signs include
awning and canopy signs.
SITE means an area of land consisting of one or more abutting lots.
SITE AREA means the total area of a site.
SITE COVERAGE means the total horizontal area of all buildings or structures on a
site to the site area. Within this Bylaw, site coverage shall be expressed as a
percentage. The calculation of site coverage shall not include steps, eaves, cornices,
and similar projections, open courtyards, terraces, patios where these are 1.0m
below grade, driveway aisles and at grade parking spaces.
SITE GRADING means any work, operation or activity resulting in a disturbance of
28
the earth. This includes the removal of topsoil or borrow, the stock piling,
excavating, trenching, backfilling, filling, land leveling, re-contouring, and grading
other than for the purpose of an approved development.
SOLAR COLLECTOR means any device used to collect sunlight that is part of a
system used to convert radiant energy from the sun into thermal energy or electric
energy.
STATUTORY PLAN means a Municipal Development Plan, an Intermunicipal
Development Plan, an Area Structure Plan and an Area Redevelopment Plan
approved and adopted by bylaw by the Town.
STOP ORDER means a written notice, issued by the Development Authority, stating
that a development, land use or use of a building is not in accordance with the Land
Use Bylaw or a development permit or a subdivision approval. The notice identifies
what steps are to be taken to rectify the non-compliance.
STORAGE CONTAINER (SEA CAN) means a rectangular metal container used as an
accessory use for storage purposes.
STOREY means that portion of a building that is situated between the top of any
floor and the top of the floor next above it. Where there is no floor above, that
portion between the top of such floor and the ceiling above it shall be considered a
storey but does not include a basement.
STREET means a right-of-way used for a public thoroughfare and designed for the
use of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic but does not include a lane.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION means any change or addition to the supporting
members of a structure, including the foundations, bearing walls, rafters, columns,
beams, and girders.
SUBDIVISION means the division of a parcel of Land into one or smaller parcels by
a plan of subdivision or other instrument.
SUBDIVISION AUTHORITY means a person or body appointed as a Subdivision
Authority in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.
SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT APPEAL BOARD means the Subdivision and
Development Appeal Board established pursuant to the Municipal Government Act.
Use Definitions
SALVAGE YARD means a development (land or building) used for the collection,
demolition, dismantling, storage, salvage, recycling or sale of waste materials
including scrap metal, vehicles not in operable condition or used parts of motor
vehicles machinery, and other discarded materials.
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SEASONAL GARDEN CENTRE means a temporary structure, which may or may not
include fencing, erected on the site of an existing retail store, for the purpose of
selling gardening related goods on a seasonal basis. This definition does not include
cannabis retail sales or cannabis production and distribution. Bylaw 06/18
SPECIAL CARE FACILITY means development used to provide residential care
including meals, sleeping accommodation and incidental care to residents. Typical
uses include nursing homes, auxiliary hospitals, respite care facilities and shelters.
This does not include a Group Home Major or Minor.
SERVICE STATION means development used for the sale of gasoline, other
petroleum products, and a limited range of vehicle parts and accessories. This may
include truck stops and highway service stations but does not include gas bar.
STORAGE FACILITY means a self-contained building or group of buildings,
containing lockers available for rent for the storage of personal goods.
SURVEILLANCE SUITE means a temporary modular dwelling used solely to
accommodate a person or persons related as family, or an employee, whose function
is to provide surveillance, maintenance and/or security for a development. The
surveillance suite shall form part of the development with which it is associated and
clearly be an accessory use of the site on which it is located. This may include a Tiny
home.
T
General Definitions
TEMPORARY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT means a development for which a permit
has been issued for a limited period of time.
TOP OF BANK means the top of a water body's valley or ravine. Where a bank is
not well defined (i.e. in the case of lakes and wetlands) the top of bank shall be
equivalent to the 1:100-year flood plain.
TOWN means the Town of Tofield, a municipal corporation, in the Province of
Alberta.
Use Definitions
TEMPORARY OUTDOOR EVENT means a temporary development and associated
temporary structures incidental to the principal and permitted use of the site on
which they are located. This use shall last no longer than ten (10) consecutive days,
including the time needed erect and dismantle any temporary structures. Typical
uses in Residential Land Use Districts may include, but are not limited birthday
parties, block parties, weddings and other social, cultural, entertainment and
worship events. Typical uses in Commercial Land Use Districts may include but are
30
not limited to customer appreciation events, grand openings, sales, farmers markets
and other commercial events. Typical uses in Institutional Land Use Districts may
include but are not limited to organized sporting events, festivals, carnivals, farmers
markets, outdoor church services, and other social, cultural, worship or recreational
events.
U
General Definitions
USE means the purposes for which land or a building is arranged or intended, or for
which either land, a building, or a structure is, or may be, occupied and maintained.
Use Definitions
UTILITY SERVICE, MAJOR means development used for public utility infrastructure
purposes that are likely to have a major impact on the environment or adjacent uses
by virtue of their potential emissions or effects, or their appearance. Typical uses
include sanitary landfill sites, sewage treatment plants, sewage lagoons, sludge
disposal beds, garbage transfer and compacting stations, power generating stations,
cooling plants, district heating plants, incinerators and waste recycling plants.
UTILITY SERVICE, MINOR means development used for public utility
infrastructure purposes that are likely to have some impact on the environment or
adjacent land uses by virtue of its appearance, noise, size, traffic generation or
operational characteristics. Typical uses include snow dumping sites, water
treatment plants, telephone exchanges, switching centres, surface reservoirs or
storm water lakes, minor pump houses, district energy and/or heating systems and
gate stations for natural gas distribution.
V
General Definitions
VARIANCE means the flexibility that may be exercised by the Development Officer
to vary the regulations of this Bylaw.
VEHICLE, HEAVY means any vehicle, with or without a load, which exceeds either a
length of 12.5m or a maximum gross vehicle weight of 5,500kg. Heavy vehicles do
not include recreational vehicles or school buses.
VIOLATION WARNING means a document issued by the Town for the purposes of
notifying a person that a minor offence under the Land Use Bylaw has been
committed and for which corrective action is required.
VIOLATION FINAL WARNING NOTICE means a document issued by the Town as a
final warning notice to a person who has committed a violation, the measures to be
31
undertaken and the timeline for completion.
W
General Definitions
WALKWAY means a right of way intended to carry pedestrian and non-motorized
traffic only, except that a walkway may be designed for maintenance and emergency
vehicle use.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WECS) means the equipment, machinery
or structures utilized in connection with the conversion of the kinetic energy
available in the wind into mechanical energy. This includes a tower, rotor blades
and nacelle.
Use Definitions
WAREHOUSE, DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE means a single building storage
facility in which all storage is indoors with an exterior loading and unloading dock.
Exterior storage is not permitted except for licensed vehicles that may be parked for
extended periods of time but does not include recreational vehicles. It includes
moving companies, trucking terminals and intermodal transfer areas.
WAREHOUSE SALES means development used for the wholesale or retail sale of a
limited range of bulk goods from within an enclosed building where the size and
nature of the principal goods being sold typically require large floor areas for direct
display to the purchaser or consumer. This land use includes developments where
principal goods being sold are such bulky items as furniture, carpet, major
appliances and building materials. This land use does not include Flea Markets or
developments used for the retail sale of food or a broad range of goods for personal
or household use.
WECS, MICRO means a turbine that has a manufacturer's maximum rated output of
less than 10kW or less and is intended for on-site purposes only. A WECS, micro is a
permitted use in any land use district.
Y
General Definitions
YARD means a part of a site unoccupied by any portion of a building or structure
over 0.6m (2.0ft) in height, except for projections and accessory developments
specifically permitted in this Bylaw. A yard may contain a fence.