New Land Use Bylaw comes into effect Jan. 1, 2026

Following Council approval at the March 25 meeting, the new Land Use Bylaw (No. 26/001) comes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Developed with extensive public engagement over multiple years, the new Land Use Bylaw (LUB) will provide residents, businesses and developers with a user-friendly document that addresses current community needs and supports economic growth and responsible development.  

Developers and builders are encouraged to prepare for the 2026 construction season by familiarizing themselves with the new LUB before it takes effect. The RMWB Planning and Development team is available to answer any questions and provide a more comprehensive overview of the new bylaw.

Please contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 to speak to a planner.    

What is the Land Use Bylaw and why does it matter?

The Municipal Government Act requires every municipality in Alberta to have a Land Use Bylaw to manage land use and development.

In the RMWB, the bylaw:

• Divides the region into districts and sets out what can be built and where.
• Outlines the process for development permits and rezoning, along with building standards like height, size, and location.
• Sets standards for parking, signage, landscaping, and design.
• Supports the overall planning goals of the Municipal Development Plan and existing area structure plans.

A user-friendly document

The new LUB will be clear and easier to use with simplified language, improved graphics, and updated definitions and regulations.

As a living document, the LUB can be updated with amendments that suit the needs of the community, adopt development trends, and align with Council priorities.

Addressing community needs

The new LUB will expand the options for secondary suites to include basement, loft, garden, attached, and detached garage suites. Larger accessory buildings – like sheds and garages – will also be permitted in urban and residential districts.

New land use districts will be introduced to reflect the unique needs of communities, especially in rural areas. For example, a new residential district has been created to address Fort Chipewyan’s unique housing needs.

Supporting responsible development and economic growth

FireSmart landscaping will be required for all new commercial, institutional, industrial and multi-unit residential developments. Additionally, stronger safety provisions will be required for developments in flood-prone areas. This will help build safer, more resilient communities in the region.

The new LUB will also prioritize accessibility, such as requiring all new commercial developments in the Urban Service Area to include seniors’ parking.

Existing industrial districts will be reorganized into three new districts – light, medium and heavy – and provide a broad range of permitted uses. This will create more certainty for developers interested in investing in the region.

What can you expect leading up to Jan. 1, 2026?

All development applications and permits will continue to be processed under the existing LUB until Jan. 1, 2026.

Learn more at rmwb.ca/landusebylaw.