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Business & Economy Land Use Bylaw
Our zoning blueprint.
Jump down to see what’s happening with proposed bylaw amendments.
The Land Use Bylaw is the regulatory document that implements the policy direction set forth in a municipality’s Municipal Development Plan. It is the document which regulates and controls the use and development of land and buildings in the community. Our Zoning Blueprint divides the municipality into specific districts that dictate what uses are permitted and/or discretionary, contains details on how to make applications for development permits; how and by whom decisions on applications are made; and the conditions that can be attached. The Land Use Bylaw also contains regulations regarding setbacks, landscaping, parking, building heights, garage sales, and signage, to name a few.
The Land Use Bylaw 944-19 is intended to provide more flexibility in the mix of uses and development as long as the built form meets the regulations. Design standards have been included that improve walkability of neighbourhoods and the distances people travel to everyday services. Parking requirements have been reduced to better balance the supply and demand of parking to accommodate alternative modes of transportation such as walking and cycling. Signage regulations have been revised for clarity and consistency, and to provide for a fast-track process.
On April 9, 2019, Beaumont’s Council gave third reading to Bylaw 944-19, and it was approved effective April 10, 2019.
The purpose of this Land Use Bylaw, hereby known as “Our Zoning Blueprint”, is to enable sustainable development based on the principles of Beaumont’s Municipal Development Plan: Our Complete Community.
Livable communities don’t just happen. They are cultivated through careful planning and dedicated care – making sure every duck is right where it need to be. By updating our Land Use Bylaw we’re fine-tuning our future neighbourhoods, keeping our community thriving.
By reducing dwelling units and enhancing the way we plan for parking, we can preserve the unique charm of our neighbourhoods. It’s about ensuring every part of Beaumont becomes an even more inclusive place to live.
This balance between input and functionality is how we line up our ducks – meticulously planning and refining every detail. We’ve listened to your feedback, and now we’re making those thoughtful tweaks a reality.
The proposed amendments are pivotal for a community that thrives at every life stage, ensuring Beaumont, remains a vibrant, inclusive place to live.
These adjustments are designed to have a meaningful impact with minimal disruption.
With specific plans to adjust dwelling units, our approach is clear:
These proposed amendments stem from extensive public engagement. They reflect the combined insights of residents, business owners, developers, and builders and illustrate our commitment to responding to community needs.
Our goal is to future-proof Beaumont’s growth, aligning our Land Use Bylaw with the City’s development plans and market trends, improving affordability, and enhancing the overall quality of life. Specific improvements include:
The proposed amendments were developed thoughtfully and collaboratively with residents and stakeholders. The timeline below identifies the key milestones.
944-19 Beaumont Land Use Bylaw – 2024-10-08-Amendment [pdf] Proposed Land Use Bylaw Amendments [pdf]
Whether you’re curious about the specific changes, how they might affect your property, or what the future holds for Beaumont, let’s clear up any uncertainties by confirming the facts.
Fact: The reality is that Beaumont faces a challenge with limited public transit options and our community primarily consists of commuters. The number of dwellings on a street or lot does not equal the number of cars that may park there. Although the City does not regulate where residents park, we encourage the use of garages and driveways for parking. We also require developers to include driveways in their initial plans to ensure adequate parking space when applying for development permits. This approach, adopted by other municipalities as well, offers a preventative and unobtrusive way to implement changes.
Fact: It’s important to note that the Land Use Bylaw establishes minimum parking standards but does not limit the number of vehicles a household can own or dictate where people should park their cars. The streets are available for public use.
Fact: Property taxes are determined by the assessment value of each property. Enhancements like finished basements or garage suites increase a property’s assessed value, leading to higher taxes.
Fact: Additional Dwelling Units don’t significantly increase demand on municipal services. Having more houses that connect to infrastructure is beneficial because it uses services in the most efficient and cost effective way possible, decreasing operational and replacement costs. The city has sufficient capacity to accommodate additional dwelling units.
Fact: Beaumont has been ranked the safest community in Alberta for two years running.*
Residents can access detailed information about our protective services and crime statistics online using the following resources:
Residents are always encouraged to be safe, lock their bikes and vehicles and secure their valuables. The proposed amendments support Beaumont’s need to accommodate more density. This is essential to comply with regional mandates, utilize our infrastructure efficiently, and manage taxpayer dollars responsibly.
*Source: Macleans, Canada’s Best Communities ranking.
Fact: Property taxes are determined by the assessment value of each property. Enhancements like finished basements or garage suites increase a property’s assessed value, leading to higher taxes. Additional dwelling units are a sought-after asset for many home buyers as the unit can help offset rising housing costs and interest rates which help homeowners qualify for financing. They also generate secondary income, helping homeowners maintain their properties.
Fact: Not all Additional Dwelling Units are intended for rentals. The units provide options so senior family members or adult children can live close by; in a safe and affordable place of their own.
Beaumont is known for its friendly and inclusive community spirit. Renters are invested in our community just like homeowners. They want to live in a place that is tidy and well-maintained. Homeowners can entice good tenants by keeping their dwellings in good repair and by making them a desirable place to rent.
Residents who disagree with neighbours about some aspects of community living, such as excessive noise, unsightly properties, pets, and snow clearing, are encouraged to use our effective resources to resolve neighbourhood disputes. Beaumont is known for its friendly and inclusive community spirit.
The Community Standards Bylaw provides transparent, enforceable rules that maintain and enhance our city’s livability by encouraging a safe, clean, welcoming, and inclusive community.
Fact: These proposed amendments were developed over time, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to meet Beaumont’s future needs. They are designed to make the best use of the land, our neighbourhood space, streetscapes, and infrastructure. In addition, a public hearing will be held on July 23, 2024, as an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the proposed amendments.
Please see the section on Community Involvement for a detailed timeline of how the proposed changes were developed collaboratively with residents, business and other stakeholders.
Fact: The Land Use Bylaw acts as the rule book for property development in Beaumont. It determines what can and cannot be developed on your property and your neighbour’s. It’s important to understand that almost anything you want to do with your property requires a permit based on these rules.