County MPC approves development permits
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wheatland County Municipal Planning Commission reviewed five development permit applications during the Feb. 11 meeting, approving each in turn over the course of the session.
Development Permit application DP 2024-134 is to address the non-compliant structures located on the subject lands within the Hamlet of Gleichen.
A compliance review indicated the covered deck on the front of the dwelling did not have a development permit and does not meet the required setbacks.
Additionally, an existing shed and fence on the property also do not meet the required setbacks. On Dec. 17, an encroachment agreement for these two structures was presented to council and was approved, providing support for the variance application.
In order to receive a compliant status, variances are required for the front deck, shed and fence. Alternatively, the option for the non-compliant structures to be removed from the parcel was presented, or the structures could be moved to be within the required setbacks.
Administration had recommended to the Municipal Planning Commission that the application be approved, subject to several conditions included in the presented recommendation. The application was approved unanimously.
Development Permit application DP 2024-136 was for a non-compliant metal shed located on subject lands within the Hamlet of Gleichen which required two variances to be granted in order to reach compliant status.
Alternatively, options were presented for the shed to be removed from the parcel, or a permit may be issued to move the structure into compliance.
No concerns regarding the shed have been raised from surrounding landowners or internal staff, including any concerns regarding fire, as the subject shed is made of metal.
Staff are also of the opinion that the land use bylaw variance criteria has been met and recommended such a variance be granted, subject to several conditions.
The Municipal Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the variance application, subject to conditions outlined by county staff.
Development Permit application DP 2024-143 proposed to address several non-compliant structures on the subject lands, west of the Town of Strathmore.
A compliance review identified eight existing farm buildings, an existing secondary dwelling, a shipping container, and a walkway from the accessory dwelling to the main dwelling to all be in non-compliance with applicable land use bylaws.
Four of the identified farm buildings do not meet setback requirements of the land use bylaw and would require variances. The accessory dwelling is a discretionary use in the land use bylaw and requires approval from the Municipal Planning Commission. The building in question is existing and meets land use bylaw requirements; however, was it constructed in 2003 without permits.
Administration recommended the Municipal Planning Commission approve the application, and variances be granted to the three outlined wood shelter farm buildings. The structure identified as Farm Building (Shop A) must be relocated within the parcel or removed from the property entirely.
The application was approved by the Municipal Planning Commission matching the recommendation of administration. The applicant must have the Shop A structure relocated prior to Oct. 31.
Development Permit application DP 2024-333 requested a variance for an existing Quonset which did not meet setback requirements outlined in the land use bylaw.
The parcel in question is located approximately nine kilometers southwest of the Village of Rockyford and is surrounded by agricultural lands on all sides.
Administration recommended the application for variance be granted on the basis that no concerns have been raised from surrounding landowners or by an internal peer review regarding the Quonset. County staff are of the opinion that variance criteria has been met.
The application was passed by the MPC unanimously and without discussion following its presentation.
Development Permit application 2025-003 was for the construction of a new church to replace the structure that was lost to a fire in 2023.
The new building will be constructed in the same location as the previous one; however, the new church will not feature a basement and the base footprint will be larger at ground level.
The requested variance is in regards to the setback proposed regarding the west property boundary, adjacent to Range Road 242. The required setback via the bylaw is 22.86 meters, while the proposed setback for the new building is only 15.24 meters.
Subject lands are owned by the church and are zoned for community service. The parcel is surrounded by agricultural land, as well as acreages.
Administration recommended the MPC approve the development permit application. A motion to approve the application was approved unanimously.