Types of Subdivision

First Parcel Out

First parcel out is defined as: A single lot or parcel created from a previously un-subdivided quarter section.

According to the Agriculture section of the MDP 2010, a first parcel out subdivision may be supported if the following criteria are met to the satisfaction of the County:

• The parcel is as small as possible while encompassing the structures, shelterbelts, well and septic fields necessary to the use, but not less than 2 acres in size and where possible, not larger than 20.99 acres.
• Where possible, given the other criteria in this subsection, the subdivision will be designed in a manner that respects natural capital, including but not limited to soils, vegetation, water bodies and their associated riparian areas, and views.
• The parcel has year round physical and legal access to a developed County roadway.
• Subdivision of the parcel does not negatively impact adjacent agricultural uses.
• All provisions of the Land Use Bylaw have been met.
• The parcel has been zoned to allow for the subdivision.

Country Residential Subdivision

Country Residential lots are traditional acreage lots. These parcels are intended to remove an existing homestead from a farming operation, as well as to further subdivide existing parcels zoned Country Residential.

The traditional subdivision of large lots with private onsite services has become unsustainable, particularly in regard to land consumption, water supply, potential impacts from private sewage systems, as well as long term road maintenance costs. This type of development should be directed to areas which are already fragmented.

Cluster Residential Subdivision

Cluster Residential lots are those which are designed to reduce the development footprint by placing lots close to each other in association with a larger remnant parcel that cannot be further subdivided. This type of development can maintain the open space nature of the landscape, thereby not dramatically altering the rural character. The Cluster Residential subdivision uses a smaller area of land for roads and houses, and is therefore more efficient when compared to Country Residential lots.

Hamlet Residential Subdivision

Hamlet Residential lots are those developed in a semi urban form resembling a village or small town. Much of the new residential development in the Foothills County will be in the form of communally serviced, compact, mixed use communities planned from the perspective of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The County will direct the majority of future residential growth to existing hamlets, new hamlets, and developed lands that can be redeveloped to higher densities.

New Hamlet Residential development will be focused in areas of the County where transportation, servicing and community development can be maximized for all residents in the region. The County will do strategic planning to provide guidance on the principles, general locations and desired components of new Hamlet Residential development. Where new communities are to be developed or where redevelopment opportunities arise, the best available environmental technology and innovation will be employed within all municipal infrastructure systems and buildings.

Industrial Development

According to MDP2010:

The County will continue to encourage increased and diverse industrial activity by creating a supportive business environment for industrial users within the Highway 2A corridor. Industrial uses include intensive business activity that usually involves the manufacturing, transforming, storing, transporting and/or servicing of goods.

For a comprehensive explanation of the County's policies and guidelines regarding Industrial Development in the Highway 2A Industrial Corridor, please consult the Highway 2A Industrial ASP.