Land Use Planning & Approvals

Participants will explore the frameworks, processes, and responsibilities that shape how Alberta communities grow and develop. This course helps elected officials build confidence in evaluating planning proposals and understanding how plans, policies, and bylaws work together.

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What is covered in Land Use Planning & Approvals?

Introduction to Municipal Planning 

  • Understand what planning is and why it matters
  • Recognize the provincial-municipal relationship in planning
  • Learn the statutory planning tools available to municipalities
  • Explore how planning supports growth, protection and quality of life

Land Use Processes 

  • Understand how land moves from raw property to developed space
  • Learn how decisions fit within the administrative and regulatory process
  • Explore how to evaluate applications using expert input, reports and community feedback

 

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Understand the difference between council and administrative roles
  • Explore how council sets the vision, approves plans and balances the public interest
  • Learn how decisions influence the long-term use of land and infrastructure

Appeals & Disputes

  • Explore how appeals are handled through the Subdivision Development Appeal Board (SDAB)
  • Understand what decisions can be appealed and who has the right to appeal
  • Recognize how council can support a fair and transparent appeal process

 

Planning Framework

  • Review Alberta’s hierarchy of plans: MDP’s ASP’s ARP’s and the Land Use Bylaw
  • Learn how plans work together to guide development
  • Understand how planning connects to budgeting, service delivery and risk management

Making Good Planning Decisions

  • Learning Questions to ask when evaluating planning proposals
  • Review best practices for transparency, consistency, and public trust
  • Understand how council decisions shape the community for future generations
Course Details