Red Deer City Council passed the second and third reading of the Zoning Bylaw, replacing the Land Use Bylaw during the May 13 meeting.  

The goal of the new bylaw is to reduce red tape, permit more uses in each zone, and improve ease and understanding of the document.   

Bylaw updates include:  

  • Reduction from 11 residential districts to nine zones  

  • Reduction from seven commercial districts to six zones  

  • Reduction from five industrial districts to three zones  

  • More permitted uses in each zone  

  • More gentle density options to provide increased housing options, including house suites, backyard suites, tiny homes, and duplexes  

  • Increased building height that considers sightlines and privacy of existing dwellings  

  • Greater flexibility for development applications  

  • Reduction of duplex side yards, removal of side yard setbacks on corner lots, and reduced frontage in residential narrow lots to improve competitiveness   

  • New regulations to gently transition existing neighbourhoods to maintain character  

“The new Zoning Bylaw incorporates years of public feedback and best practices to make a Zoning Bylaw that will result in more housing options, easier development, and ultimately will improve our competitiveness,” said David Girardin, Major Projects Planner. “With the approval of the Zoning Bylaw, we are not finished our community engagement as there will be future public hearings on potential amendments in the coming weeks, as well as more formal public participation for each additional phase of the Zoning Bylaw.”     

The Zoning Bylaw will come into effect in 30 days. Public participation for phase two of the Zoning Bylaw will begin later this year.  

Click here for more information.   

Related Stories