Lethbridge County has approved changes to the municipality’s land use bylaw at the beginning of the month.
According to the county, some of the changes that were approved April 4th council meeting included clarifying the wording to help make the existing guidelines easier to understand and changes to requirements that made the development process more streamlined with things such as solar collectors mounted on roofs or walls no longer needing a development permit. Those working on projects now have a little more time to get the work done, with permits now being valid for 24 months compared to the 12 months it was before.
The updated land-use bylaw also expanded the criteria of what a home-based business is, allowing for larger businesses. Changes were also made to the language that surrounded how alternative and renewable energy sources impact county roads, weeds and soil erosion.
The changes come after what the municipality says was months of review and public consultation, which helped frame the proposed changes that were presented to and passed by council.