Development in your Neighbourhood

The City is committed to making it easier to find, understand and get involved in proposed changes in your community.

Ways to find out what's happening

On-site signage: new requirements mean you’ll see signs around your neighbourhood that alert you to what’s proposed or approved.

Planning & Development Notification page: the main source of information on planning and development activity in Beaumont, including applications, permits, subdivisions, redistricting and plan changes. You’ll find:

  • Weekly updates on new applications and decisions
  • Listings by neighbourhood, location and a description of each application
  • Information about how to provide feedback or appeal, with deadlines based on legislative requirements.

The signage and web updates are part of the City’s ongoing effort to make planning and development decisions more open and easier to follow.

Decisions about applications without variances are found in the Notices of Development Permits document.

On-site signage

People or businesses applying for a development permit are required to post a sign on the related property for some kinds of applications. These signs tell people in the community what’s being proposed or approved, what the new development could look like and how to get involved or get more information.

Orange signs – show proposed changes. They explain what’s being applied for and how to share your feedback. An example is a development permit application for a discretionary use, such as a dayhome, where public feedback is required to support decision-making.

Green signs – confirm approved changes. They describe what was approved, how it affects the property and information about appeals, if applicable. This would apply for any discretionary decisions as well as high impact projects, such as an apartment building.

Blue signs – indicate proposed land use changes. They describe applications for projects seeking to change the land designation (including what type of development is possible in an area) and identify how to provide feedback. This would include applications for redistricting and/or amendments to existing area plans.

Public hearings are posted under public notices (at the top of the website) and provide information about a proposed change to bylaws and a link to register to participate in the public hearing.

The notification guide helps applicants understand what sign requirements might apply to their projects and how to get more information.

Go to Development Signage page

Making development decisions

Beaumont is growing and changes reflect what matters to our community, both now and for the future. Our vision: Together, we make life better in Beaumont is the basis of the Municipal Development Plan to maintain a welcoming, vibrant and environmentally-conscious City that values diversity, supports business and celebrates our heritage.

Here’s how development decisions are made.

  • The Planning and Development department looks at each application carefully.
  • Applications have to follow the City’s rules, like the Municipal Development Plan and the Land Use Bylaw.
  • Water, sewer, roads, paths and parks are checked for availability and that they can handle the new development for the community.

After the first review, the application is shared with the community for input. This may include other City departments, government agencies, school boards, the public and other interested groups.

How to get involved in a development application

Read the notice

The notice tells you which property the application is for and what changes are planned. Take some time to understand the basic project details.

Ask questions

If you need more information before sharing your opinion:

Think about it

Now that you have more information, consider how the project might affect you and your neighborhood. Ask yourself:

  • What are the good and bad things about this change for the neighbourhood?
  • Will this change affect how I use or enjoy my property or neighbourhood? How?
  • Does the change fit well with my neighbourhood or with Beaumont? Why or why not?
  • Are there any changes I want to suggest to make it better for the neighbourhood?

Tell us what you think

There are several ways to get involved in development applications. How depends on what kind of application is being made and where it is in the process.

You can give feedback by:

  • Emailing the Planning and Development department at planning@beaumont.ab.ca.
  • Contacting the file manager listed on the notice: remember to give the application number or property address for reference.

The City shares information about active applications on the notifications page.

Some applications may be advertised through signs on-site, letters to neighbours or newspaper ads. These vary depending on the type of application, following rules in the Land Use Bylaw and the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

  • Once all feedback and information is collected, including comments from the public, the file manager reviews everything together.
  • If changes are needed, the file manager works with the applicant to adjust the project.
  • If the applicant chooses not to make the suggested changes, that will be considered when making the decision.
  • Once the review is complete, a recommendation is prepared for a decision.

Decisions on planning and development matters are made by different approval bodies, depending on the type of application.

Development permits

Who makes the decision: the Development Authority (typically the File Manager for the application).

  • Development applications require approval before new construction, renovations and changes to how a building is used can occur within the Land Use Bylaw.
  • Applicants receive the decision in writing.
  • If the project requires a rule to be adjusted (variance) or is a discretionary use, there will be an appeal period and the public will be notified (for example, with signs on-site).
Planning & Development Notifications

Subdivisions

Who makes the decision: the Subdivision Authority.

  • Subdivision applications are required to legally divide a single parcel of land into two or more smaller parcels.
  • Each new parcel receives a separate land title once the subdivision is approved and endorsed by the City and registered with Alberta Land Titles.
  • The file manager prepares a report including public feedback, recommendations, and any conditions the applicant must meet if approved.
  • Subdivision Authority meeting agendas and decisions are available to the public.

Learn more about subdivision application process:

Go to the Subdivision page

Land Use Bylaw and neighbourhood plans

Who makes the decision: City Council.

  • The Planning and Development team researches bylaws and plans, summarizes public feedback, and provides recommendations so Council can make informed decisions.
  • These decisions include a Public Hearing, where you can provide input to Council on proposed changes to the Land Use Bylaw or other neighbourhood plans.

Find out about upcoming public engagements, read about procedures or register to speak:

Go to Public Hearing Registration