Title
Planning and Development Services - Red Tape Reduction Project
Proposed Motion
That Council directs Administration to initiate the Red Tape Reduction Project and return with a progress update and public engagement plan on October 27, 2026.
Body
Administration Recommendations
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
The Red Tape Reduction project is a proactive, Administrative driven initiative, that would focus on a variety of policy changes to further empower Parkland County to remove barriers and deliver an effective and efficient planning and development framework for the community. This report provides an overview of the key themes that can be addressed through policy changes with a focus on removing barriers for minor developments and rural subdivisions involving 4 lots or less. Though that is the primary focus, other opportunities and efficacies may be identified throughout the project.
Summary
There are five policy themes that have been identified that can help reduce red tape and deliver an increasingly effective and efficient planning and development framework. As the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and Municipal Development Plan (MDP) were both completed in 2025, the initiative would be limited in scope to those policy changes that could be achieved in the short to mid-term, while identifying potential future opportunities. As excellent customer service, transparency, and efficiency remain top priorities for Planning and Development Services, this work is part of continuous improvement. This work would proceed in consultation with both the Agriculture and Environment Department as well as the Engineering Department to ensure alignment.
Policy Theme No. 1: Automatic Yes Framework
This theme would review and seek opportunities to expand the development permit exemption list within the LUB. Additionally, Administration would build standardized advisement lists for applicants to ensure they are aware of relevant LUB regulations as well as any relevant provincial requirements. An initial review indicates changes could be made to:
- Agriculture buildings
- Small scale commercial and agriculture value added uses
- Accessory buildings and outbuildings
- Platform structures (decks)
An 'automatic yes' to permits for simple developments like decks and sheds, would speed up processes and create fewer barriers for residents.
Policy Theme No. 2: Lot Grading Requirements
This theme would incorporate a comprehensive review of both Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw 2023-02 and Lot Grading Policy C-PD17. The aim would be to reduce the amount instances where a lot grading plan is required as part of an application. This would also involve the creation of standardized advisement text to ensure applicants are aware of any potential risks in not providing a lot grading plan as well as the applicable regulations within Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw 2023-02.
Policy Theme No. 3: Biophysical Reports and Environmental Reserve Dedication
This theme would incorporate a comprehensive review of both Dedication and Use of Municipal Reserve, Environmental Reserve, and Environmental Reserve Easement Policy C-PD15 as well as relevant regulations within the MDP. The goal would be to provide more flexibility to allow for smaller setbacks from environmental areas as well as an overall reduction in the instances where a biophysical report is required as part of an application. There is also the potential to explore leveraging internal capacity to review site environmental factors rather than requiring external third-party reports.
Policy Theme No. 4: Subdivision Conditions
This theme would incorporate a comprehensive review of both Subdivision Conditions and Endorsement Policy C-PD03 as well as relevant regulations within the LUB. The aim would be to reduce permit requirements when completing a subdivision application as well as providing more flexibility for density within the Agriculture Conservation District. This work will also review opportunities for more flexibility on the minimum required developable area for residential uses.
Policy Theme No. 5: Legislative Compliance and Clarity
This theme would present Administration with an opportunity to review Bill 28 and incorporate any required policy amendments to ensure legislative compliance with the new Bill. There would also be opportunities for Administration to ensure Edmonton Metropolitan Regional Board references are removed while also undertaking minor housekeeping amendments related to clarity, phrasing, grammar, etc.
Risks and Potential Impacts
Balancing efficiency, expediency, and reduced red tape does not come without potential risks and impacts for residents and the environment.
Further details regarding specific risks and impacts for each of the changes identified above will be provided to Council as this work progresses.
As part of this work, public engagement would be planned to ensure residents can share feedback on proposed changes. Administration would strive to address potential concerns where possible.
Policy Theme Sequencing
Q3 2026:
• Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw 2023-02 and Policy C-PD17 Lot Grading
• Policy C-PD03 Subdivision Conditions and Endorsement
Q4 2026:
• Policy C-PD15 Dedication and Use of Municipal Reserve, Environmental Reserve, and Environmental Reserve Easement
Q1 and Q2 2027:
• Municipal Development Plan
• Land Use Bylaw
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
This project would span the review of several policies and bylaws as identified above. Public engagement is a requirement when undertaking administrative amendments to bylaws. Administration would return with a progress update, and public engagement plan in Q4 2026.
Financial Impact:
Cost: n/a
Source of Funding: n/a