Development Resources
Navigating the Future of Development
Local Construction Suppliers
Supporting Your Development in Olds
We understand the importance of having access to reliable and local construction suppliers for your development projects in Olds. To assist you with your construction needs, we have compiled a comprehensive list of current local construction and related companies. This list includes reputable suppliers who can provide the necessary materials, equipment, and services to support your development initiatives. By choosing local suppliers, not only will you receive high-quality products and services, but you will also contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community. Take advantage of this valuable resource and ensure the success of your projects by partnering with these trusted local businesses.
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan (MDP) for Olds: Shaping Our Future Together
The MDP serves as a forward-thinking strategy to responsibly steer growth within our town. It functions as a crucial tool aiding the Mayor, Council, administrative body, and key stakeholders in their pivotal decisions.
Why is Olds’ Municipal Development Plan Critical?
The MDP isn’t just a guide; it’s a vision. It oversees Olds’ future growth, ensuring it’s systematic, cost-effective, and advantageous. At its core, it balances the environmental, economic, and social aspirations of our community. This long-term, strategic document captures the essence of what Olds aspires to be, laying out clear pathways to realize that vision. It equips us with a robust policy framework, typically spanning three decades, to oversee the town’s evolution.
Highlights of the Municipal Development Plan:
- Land Use Patterns: Designations for key residential, commercial, and industrial activity zones.
- Connectivity: Major thoroughfares for both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
- Natural Conservation: Preserving vital natural assets and features.
- Recreation and Open Spaces: Areas earmarked for parks, recreation, and open spaces.
- Subdivision and Neighborhood Design: Guidelines to shape our communities.
- Economic Vision: Areas pinpointed for job creation and economic growth.
- Cultural and Heritage Conservation: Preserving the soul of Olds.
- Future Growth Directions: Laying the roadmap for our town’s expansion.
TOWN OF OLDS LAND USE BYLAW 01-23
The Town of Olds Land Use Bylaw (LUB) 01-23 is a pivotal document for property developers, investors, and homeowners in Olds. This bylaw delineates the comprehensive regulations influencing properties and their respective uses within the town’s jurisdiction. Managed by the Planning & Development department, the LUB provides clarity on:
- Parcel Usage: How each parcel of land can be utilized.
- Lot Dimensions: Specifications on lot size and dimensions.
- Building Guidelines: Including placement, height, and architectural aesthetics.
- Parking & Landscaping: Requirements and standards for parking spaces and landscaping.
- Signage: Rules for sign placement.
- Fencing: Regulations on fence types, heights, and placements.
- Detailed regulations on lot usage, size, and building specifications.
- Comprehensive breakdown of land use districts (zones) with associated development standards.
- Clear categorization of permitted and discretionary uses for each land use district.
- PDF file here.
PDF file here.
Area Structure Plans
An Area Structure Plan (ASP) outlines the blueprint for subdivision and development on specific land parcels. In Olds, ASPs are commonly drafted for quarter sections, detailing future land uses and pinpointing roadway locations.
These plans promote seamless and harmonious development transitions between adjacent land parcels. Below are the ASPs endorsed by the Olds Town Council and currently active:
Area Redevelopment Plans
Area Redevelopment Plans (ARPs) play a pivotal role in shaping the future of already developed regions within a municipality. They serve as a strategic blueprint, outlining clear policies to realize a community’s envisioned future. The Town of Olds takes pride in its commitment to sustainable and community-centric development, as reflected in the ARPs endorsed by the Council.
Currently active ARPs for the Town of Olds include:
PDF file here.
PDF file here.
Municipal Design Guidelines
The Design Guidelines provide the technical information required to construct the development or project, whose bases starts with the elements contained in the Municipal Development Plan, Transportation Studies, Alberta Environment and Parks guidelines, and other Town guiding documents
PDF file here.
FAQ
There are many things to consider when building in the Town of Olds. The following are a list of frequently asked questions and answers, however, to apply for permits and obtained further details please visit https://www.olds.ca/permit-licence-applications
The Interactive Development Map (GIS Map) is a great tool for realtors, property buyers, developers, etc., to help them find what utility lines, land use, Area structure plans, and so much more.
1. Fill out the application forms and submit all required plans to the Planning Department.
2. If you will be digging, request locates. Locates must be available on-site while work is being done.
3. If the project is commercial, complete a fire safety plan. This is not required for residential projects.
4. An invoice will be e-mailed to you for permit fees and security deposits. All fees must be paid before the permit is issued.
5. Depending on your project, it will be reviewed either by staff or by the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC).
6. If the permit requires a decision from the MPC, there is a 21-day appeal period.
7. If your permits have been approved, you will receive them along with a Plan Review. This is an overview of what has been approved and will describe when an inspection is needed.
8. Inspections will be performed by our certified Safety Codes Officer.
9. After work is completed to Town standards, any security deposits will be returned to you.
In some cases, a Development Officer or the Municipal Planning Commission may be able to grant a relaxation. You will need to fill out a Relaxation / Variance Form.
Once the Approval Authority makes a decision, there is a 21-day appeal period. Appeals can also be made to the regional Appeals Board. This is a separate group serving 18 different municipalities in Central Alberta.
Simple permits can be approved in a week by Planning & Development department staff. If your permit needs to be reviewed by the MCP, meetings are held once a month (on the third Tuesday of the month).
You have one year from the day your Development Permit is issued to complete the work.
An off-site levy is a fee charged by the Town to help pay for expanding municipal services, such as water, sewer, and roads.