Council approves more flexible rules for business signage

At the Feb. 25 Council meeting, changes to the Window and Freestanding sign provisions in the current Land Use Bylaw (LUB) were approved.  

More flexibility for window and freestanding signage

The changes to the rules for Window and Freestanding signage were made in response to feedback and ongoing collaboration with the business community. The updated provisions provide more flexible, balanced and clear rules around signage, while supporting the business community’s need for more permanent signage and third-party advertising opportunities. The amendments include:

• Removing the maximum area and transparency requirements for window signs.
• No longer requiring development permits for window signs if they comply with the bylaw.
• Reducing the distance freestanding signs (with less than 20% digital content) must be from residential areas from 100 metres to 10 metres. For freestanding signs with digital content that projects towards residential areas or exceeds 20% of the sign, the setback remains 100 metres from residential areas.   
• Reducing the distance freestanding signs must be from intersections from 100 metres to 30 metres.  

There were no changes to the rules for other types of signage. The amendments to Window and Freestanding signage were made to the current Land Use Bylaw and are reflected in the new LUB being proposed at the Public Hearing on Monday, March 24.

Find more information about signage at rmwb.ca/signs

New Land Use Bylaw being considered at Public Hearing on March 24

First reading of the new LUB being proposed was also approved at the Feb. 25 Council meeting. A Public Hearing is set for second and third readings on Monday, March 24 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers.

The new LUB has not been approved yet and will be considered by Council at the Public Hearing. 

Register by March 17 to participate in Land Use Bylaw Public Hearing

Anyone that would like to share their thoughts with Council about the proposed LUB during the Public Hearing, must register with Legislative Services before 12:00 noon, Monday, March 17. Residents can share their thoughts in-person or by sending in a written submission.

• Register on-line at rmwb.ca/publichearingsubmission
• Email legislative.assistants@rmwb.ca
• Call Legislative Services at 780-743-7001. (*only for in-person presentations) 

The new LUB and Council report are available for review in the Feb. 25 Council Agenda, posted at rmwb.ca/council.

Tune in to watch the LUB Public Hearing live on the RMWB Youtube Channel or attend in-person at Council Chambers.

What is the Land Use Bylaw?

The LUB regulates the use and development of land and buildings within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to support safe and sustainable growth. The current LUB came into effect in 1999 and needs to be replaced to respond to the changes over the past 25 years and community needs.

Developed through extensive public engagement, the new LUB is user-friendly with updated regulations that address community needs and support responsible development and economic growth in the region by providing greater flexibility for new development.

Review the LUB public engagement What We Heard Report at participate.rmwb.ca/LUB