A public hearing has been scheduled for December 6, 2023, at 1:30 P.M. to provide information on a draft NEW “Special Events Bylaw for the Regulation of Special Events in Foothills County” and corresponding amendments to the County’s Land Use Bylaw for Special Events.
Why Are We Proposing Amendments?
- We have experienced a significant increase in the number of special events in Foothills County and the current “Bylaw 66/97 for the Regulation of Special Events” and Land Use Bylaw provisions for special events are out of date and require amendment.
- We have had several requests for seasonal events such as garden markets and Christmas tree sale lots, that do not clearly fit under our current Land Use Bylaw provisions, and we felt these types of temporary uses could be a good fit under Special Events.
- There is a desire to eliminate duplication and streamline approval processes where possible.
- Our goal is to increases transparency in both when an approval is necessary for a Special Event and what may be required when applying for a Special Event and as part of a conditional approval.
What is being proposed?
The proposed new Special Events Bylaw and draft Land Use Bylaw amendments include:
- Updated definitions for Special Events establishing a delineation between a minor or major special event based on size, intensity, and type of special event.
- A licensing process has been outlined for Special Events.
- Policy defining when a Development Permit or Special Event License is required and when a Special Event may be exempt from approvals.
- A list of conditions and requirements outlined for Development Permit applications and Special Event licenses for clarity and transparency.
- Amendments to the permitted and discretionary uses within land use districts under the Land Use Bylaw to identify where applications can be made for Secondary Suites.
- A list of Applicant and County responsibilities, as part of Special Event applications and approvals.
- Offences and penalties as part of enforcement on Special Events held in Foothills County.
A complete copy of the proposed new “Bylaw for the Permitting and Regulation of Special Events In Foothills County” can be found HERE.
Draft amendments to Land Use Bylaw pertaining to Special Events are available HERE.
Council encourages residents to attend this public hearing and provide their input to the proposed changes.
For information on the public hearing, click HERE.