Title
Proposed Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw (Bylaw 2023-02) and Lot Grading Policy (Policy C-PD17)
Proposed Motions
1. That the proposed Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw & Lot Grading Policy be accepted for information, as presented.
2. That the proposed amendments to the Fees and Charges bylaw be accepted for information, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
To update and inform the Governance and Priorities Committee regarding the proposed “Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw” and “Lot Grading Policy” and provide a copy of the final drafts to the Committee for information.
Summary
As outlined in the attached “Lot Grading and Stormwater Management Report” (Nancy Domijan, November 2, 2020), Section 2, a “Drainage Bylaw” was identified as a recommendation to help ensure a “consistent approach to stormwater management and define a foundation for process and programs” for Parkland County.
In response to the above-mentioned report recommendation, the Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw and Lot Grading Policy were drafted to help administration better guide and act upon drainage and lot grading activity within the County.
In completing our due diligence, we have reviewed and discussed similar policy and legislation with local regional municipalities and feel that this Bylaw and Policy, if accepted, would help align Parkland County with the industries standards and legislation.
Administration has completed; discussions with other regional municipalities, internal and external reviews, taken into consideration legal and legislative regulation and rulings, as well as improved upon other local municipalities legislation, based on recommendations made by their administration and external legal to help ensure better quality product/result for Parkland County. We have reviewed current internal practices and have developed the proposed Bylaw in a manner that can be implemented with our existing resources.
With the introduction of the Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw, Administration is recommending associated amendments to the Fees and Charges Bylaw, to include the Violation Ticket Fines outlined in Schedule ‘A’ of the proposed Bylaw.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
PILLAR A - Complete Communities
Goal #3: To ensure that County infrastructure meets the needs of residents, business, and industry.
This Bylaw and Policy will better support a more harmonious approach to Parkland County’s infrastructure, in how it expands its existing networks and/or rehabilitates its existing ones to consider surface drainage and lot grading activities. It will also help address the negative impacts that occur to Parkland County infrastructure through non-compliant activities.
PILLAR C - Respecting Environment and Agriculture
Goal #1: To develop a policy framework that ensures the protection of environmentally significant areas.
This Bylaw and Policy are directly related to Pillar C, Goal 1; as it is legislation that will provide administration and public direction to surface drainage and the adverse effects on the environment, both adjacent and downstream. The Bylaw will support enforcement services in addressing and protecting against non-compliant activity that may have had a negative impacted on the environment.
PILLAR D - Responsible Leadership
Goal #1: To ensure that County Council is supported by a robust and current framework of bylaw, policies, and plans.
This Bylaw and Policy are directly related to Pillar D, Goal 1; as it is legislation accepted by the direction of Parkland County Council and Executive Committee that provides a baseline framework to support Administration and Enforcement Services. By accepting this legislation, it brings Parkland County into alignment with other municipal legislation.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $0.00
Source of Funding: n/a
Other: