Updates to the Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw

Some key updates are:

Municipal Development Plan Updates (Bylaw 1453/26)

The Municipal Development Plan is our community’s vision for the future. It provides the high-level blueprint of where and how development can occur in Lacombe County.

Details of the Municipal Development Plan updates include:

Confined Feeding Operations

• Amend the confined feeding operation referral policy to add that no new or expanded confined feeding operation shall be permitted less than 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) from the boundary of Chain Lakes, Gabriel Lake, Gadsby Lake, and Spotted Lakes

Land Use Bylaw Updates (Bylaw 1454/26)

The Land Use Bylaw is the direct product and implementation tool of the Municipal Development Plan. It places all land within Lacombe County into land use districts, and identifies what uses can be considered in each given district.

Details of the Land Use Bylaw updates include:

Public Submissions

• Remove ‘recovery centre on W ½ Pt. SW 16-39-01-W5M’ as a discretionary use in the Agricultural ‘A’ District
• Amend the off-road vehicle storage regulations in the Recreational Vehicle Resort ‘R-RVR’ District to allow for two off-road vehicle units per condo unit and consider a trailer as one off-road vehicle unit, and clarify wording related to outdoor storage provisions 

Assorted Housekeeping Amendments

• Amend the maximum height of accessory buildings in country and lakeshore residential districts from 20 ft (6.10 m) to 24 ft (7.32 m). 

For full details, the draft bylaws that Council gave First Reading to on March 12, 2026 are attached below. 

Council has scheduled a PUBLIC HEARING to hear your feedback on the proposed bylaw changes.

A Public Hearing presents the proposed bylaw, and gives members of the public an opportunity to speak to Council about it and provide input before adoption. Your input is valued and encouraged.

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed bylaw changes will have an opportunity to do so at the Public Hearing.

The Public Hearing will take place on April 9, 2026 at 9:15 AM.

How do I participate in the Public Hearing?

Participate in the public hearing to voice your opinion. There are 3 ways you can provide input!

1) Attend and speak in person

Attend in person at the Lacombe County office, in Council Chambers. Our office is located 2½ miles west of Highway 2 at the intersection of Spruceville Road and Highway 12. 

2) Attend and speak virtually - Join by Zoom or by Phone

To join Zoom Meeting via computer/laptop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89177253026

To join Zoom Meeting via phone: +1 587 328 1099

Meeting ID: 891 7725 3026

Personal ID: if you do not have a Personal ID, select # to continue

Rules during a Zoom Lacombe County public hearing?

The public is welcome to attend virtually through the Zoom video conferencing system. The public will be able to listen/observe the entire meeting, but like in face-to-face meetings, there will only be certain times that the public can comment.  These opportunities include:

·         During a public hearing when public feedback is requested;

·         Public delegations to Council (pre-registration required); and

·         When permitted by the Chair/Reeve

*Anyone wishing to speak via Zoom will have to either join via computer/laptop or by phone. To indicate that you wish to speak:
                    By Computer:  Use the "Raise Hand" option on Zoom
                    By Phone:  Hit *9 to indicate that they would like to speak.

3) Provide Written Comments

If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing but want to provide feedback, please send your comments to Planning Services prior to April 9, 2026. Your comments can be sent by:

EMAIL planning@lacombecounty.com

FAX 403-782-3820

MAIL RR 3, Lacombe AB, T4L 2N3

Individuals may speak for a maximum of 5-minutes. All submissions will be public information

1. Bylaw 1453/26 - Municipal Development Plan Updates
2. Bylaw  1454/26 - Land Use Bylaw Updates
   
3. Public Hearing Ad
4. Annual Review Report