Don Kochan – Division 2
Hi everyone, the following Division 2 information is for your use:
Development Permit Processing – There have been ongoing discussions over how Administration can provide greater access to information on development permit decisions within the County. Under the current process for approved development permit applications, the County sends an Adjacent Resident Package, including information about the proposal, a location description, and a site plan to all landowners within the circulation area defined by Council Policy C-327 (Circulation and Notification Standards). Information alerting residents and the wider public of development permit decisions is also posted on the County’s website and in the Rocky View Weekly newspaper. Upon residents seeking further information on a development permit decision, Administration recognizes that it has previously been inconsistent in what information it releases, and also what process residents have had to go through to obtain this information. Moving forward, Administration will be providing a clearer process for the public to obtain documents related to development permit decisions:
- As of May 30, 2023, copies of the development permit Notice of Decision (with attached conditions) for approvals within the appeal period will be accessible online through the County website. Letters to adjacent landowners will include guidance on where to find the Notice of Decision.
- Where adjacent landowners require additional development permit approval documentation, they can now submit requests directly to the Development team, rather than being directed to submit a record request to the County.
- The Development team has been directed to provide all information which helped inform the development permit approval review process.
- Information released may include approved technical studies, operations and management plans, and other relevant supporting plans and documentation.
- In releasing the development permit application and approval details, staff will ensure that any personal or financial information is redacted.
In addition to facilitating greater access to development permit decisions, Administration is continuing to assess how it can provide better access to both planning and development applications prior to decisions being made on these files. Further review of the County’s processes on disclosure of planning and development documentation will be undertaken in the coming weeks to ensure that the County is providing all the information it can to the public in alignment with Council’s Strategic Objective of enhancing transparency and communication. Further updates will be provided to Council and the public on improvements to planning and development application information sharing as progress is made in this area.
Springbank Area Structure Plan (ASP) – Administration presented an updated ASP to the Governance committee on April 4th. Although changes have been made, questions on cluster residential, employment areas and development expansion areas needed more clarification and community input regarding these points. Administration is finalizing the planned public engagement materials and revisions to the draft Springbank ASP document. Updates to the previous 2018 servicing study are also being undertaken to accommodate the revised land use strategy.
The next round of community engagement is planned to include the following:
- An overall summary on how the plan has been updated since the last draft to take into account residents’ feedback.
- Updates on how the Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth Plan has affected the future planning of Springbank.
- Updated information on how the ASP area is proposed to be serviced for water and wastewater.
- Information on the concept of Open Space Development which is proposed to be explored in two areas of Springbank.
- Details on proposals for the County to lead the detailed planning of key areas in Springbank, using a design-led Conceptual Scheme approach. These areas include lands along Range Road 33, around the Springbank Airport, and the Open Space Development areas.
- Commentary on how river access might be planned for within Springbank.
Engagement is currently proposed to be undertaken through an in-person open house, focused discussions with landowners and residents within and near to the key development areas of Springbank, and online surveys. Updates to the project webpage on the County’s website (www.rockview.ca/SpringbankASP) and email notifications will be sent out once dates have been confirmed for engagement. Administration is planning a presentation of the final draft plan to Council by October/November this year. Costco Application at Bingham Crossing– On February 7, 2023, the Development Permit for the proposed Costco warehouse within the Bingham Crossing development was conditionally approved by RVC’s Development Authority. This approval was appealed by two parties and the matter has been heard at the Subdivision Development Appeal Board (SDAB). The hearing underwent two days of testimony and the hearing was closed on May 11th. A decision will be provided within 15 days of closing.
Take care!
Don Kochan – Division 2 Councillor
kochandiv2@gmail.com
