Title
Proposed Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw (Bylaw 2023-02) and Lot Grading Policy (Policy C-PD17).
Proposed Motion
That the proposed Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw and Lot Grading Policy update be received for information, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion as it keeps Governance and Priorities Committee informed and aware of administrative activities to move this item forward towards an approval.
Purpose
To update and inform the Governance and Priorities Committee regarding the proposed “Surface Lot Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw” and “Lot Grading Policy”. This report includes a copy of the most recent drafts to the committee for information (no changes from initial submission), an outline of the questions/comments with additional supportive information from previous discussions on March 7, 2023, and an outline of the proposed Public Engagement Plan to move these documents forward.
Summary
Administration continues progress on this bylaw and policy from several angles. The nearly complete Storm Water Master Plan provides overarching strategic direction as to how the County will manage storm water. Creation of the Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw and the Lot Grading Policy are highlighted as objectives within the Storm Water Master Plan - Section 9.0 Prioritization and Implementation Strategy - item 9 Land Use Planning and Land Development Engineering Strategy - Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw.
In the previous presentation to Governance and Priorities Committee on March 7, 2023, there were a few questions and comments regarding the bylaw/policy and how it may be applied or what impacts it may have on landowners. Attached to this report is an outline of the questions/comments at the March 7, 2023, meeting. Administration has highlighted the questions/discussions and has provided written response to the discussion items as well as some supportive information in addition to what was previously shared. This is an area that the Governance and Priorities Committee may wish to request additional clarification or to continue discussion on matters of interest.
During previous discussions, Administration identified a responsibility to align this work with the Public Engagement Policy C-AD51. As such, a Public Engagement Plan has been drafted and attached to this report. This plan outlines additional efforts to meet and discuss with development industry groups such as Urban Development Institute (UDI), National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) and Acheson Business Association (ABA). We will have a least one virtual open house for general public to engage and provide feedback and if identified during the process, additional discussions with special interest groups. Administration anticipates the majority of engagements to occur between now and the fall of 2023. A third update to Governance and Priorities Committee is anticipated in late Q4 2023. Assuming Administration is on track, a date with Council for formal review and approval of the bylaw and policy will be confirmed.
Historical Information:
RFD 23-059 - March 7, 2023 - Proposed Surface Drainage and Lot Grading Bylaw (Bylaw 2023-02) and proposed Lot Grading Policy (Policy C-PD17) presented to GPC for information and initial introduction for discussion purposes.
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