Land Subdivision
Within the Municipal District of Willow Creek, the majority of our lands are zoned Rural General - RG. The Municipal District allows for limited subdivision for a variety of land uses in such a manner as to ultimately protect agricultural land. The Municipal Planning Commission makes decisions on all subdivision applications.
Subdivision Application Process
The Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) processes subdivision applications for the Municipal District, and, when ready, presents them to the Municipal Planning Commission for a decision.
For more information, including fees, for subdividing your land contact ORRSC at 403-329-1344 or 1-877- 329-1387. Information is also available through the ORRSC website.
Residential Subdivision Policies Single Lot Country Residential Subdivision
A subdivision which proposes to create a single lot country residential parcel containing a developed residence or farmstead may be approved provided that:
- the proposed parcel to be created is no greater than 5 acres (2.o ha) in size and contains a permanent habitable dwelling unit; and
- the area of the proposed lot is limited in size by its location and the extent of physical characteristics and vegetation; and
- the proposed lot on which the dwelling is located and the proposed residual parcel have direct legal and/or physical access to a public roadway; and
- the access is satisfactory to Alberta Infrastructure where the access is onto or in close proximity to a primary highway; and
- the size and location of the proposed lot will not significantly affect and irrigation system in the area; and
- the dwelling unit located on the proposed country residential parcel can meet or exceed the minimum distance separation (MDS) requirements from an existing intensive livestock operation or confined feeding operation, as established in the Agricultural Operations Practices Act Standards and Administration Regulation; and
- the residual parcel being created is at least 145 acres (57.8 ha) in size.
Vacant Single Lot Country Residential Subdivisions
A subdivision which proposes to create a vacant single lot country residential parcel from a previously unsubdivided quarter section may be approved provided that:
- the proposed site has been redesignated from Rural General_RG to Vacant Country Residential _VCR prior to an application being filed for subdivision approval;
- the proposed parcel to be created shall in no instance be greater than 5.0 acres (2.0 ha) in size and contain a buildable site on the proposed parcel;
- the applicant and/or his agent shall enter into a subdivision development agreement prior to a decision being rendered by the Subdivision Authority on the proposed application;
- the proposed vacant parcel and the resulting residual parcel shall have direct legal and physical access to a public roadway or that suitable arrangements have been made with the Municipal District for the construction of the required access solely to the satisfaction of the municipality;
- the proposed vacant parcel has been tested for its suitability to provide adequate sewage disposal and groundwater for a future dwelling unit or that suitable arrangements have been made to the sole satisfaction of the Municipal District for the provision of sewer and water to the proposed parcel;
- the proposed access is satisfactory to Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation where the access in onto or in close proximity to the provincial highway system;
- the size and location of the proposed vacant parcel will not affect any irrigation system in the immediate area;
- the proposed vacant parcel can meet or exceed the minimum distance separation (MDS) requirements from existing intensive livestock or confined feeding operation (CFO) as established in the Agricultural Operations Practices Standards and Administration Regulation;
- the residual parcel being created is a minimum of 145 acres (57.8 ha) in size;
- the proposed vacant parcel will be the first subdivision from a previously unsubdivided quarter section (as defined) in the Municipal District;
- the Municipal District, at its sole discretion, may request additional information or studies to be performed prior to rendering a decision to approve a vacant parcel subdivision.
Multi-lot Subdivisions
An application which seeks to subdivide more than one lot from a previously unsubdivied quarter section requires a change in the districting/zoning. This re-zoning would give new definition to the property - meaning agriculture activity is no longer its primary function.
See Land Use Amendments/Rezoning for more information.Amendments/Rezoning