PRMS offers the following Planning Services to our Member municipalities:
Preparing and Updating Statutory Plans
Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDP)
An Intermunicipal Development Plan provides a framework for two or more municipalities that outlines how planning and development decisions will be made to minimize land use conflicts at municipal boundaries and provide opportunities for collaboration. An IDP considers future land use patterns, infrastructure and servicing, annexation, planning and development referrals, and dispute resolution. An Intermunicipal Development Plan is adopted by bylaw by all municipalities covered by the plan. PRMS provides comprehensive reviews and updates of Intermunicipal Development Plans.
Municipal Development Plans (MDP)
A Municipal Development Plan provides the long-term vision for land use and guides how a community grows and develops. It is a policy framework used to evaluate proposals for future land use, development and subdivision in the municipality. An MDP considers future land use patterns and function, the development of infrastructure and other municipal services and facilities, the protection of the environment, identification of hazards to development, and open spaces and trail systems. Every municipality must have a Municipal Development Plan adopted by bylaw and it must align with any adopted Intermunicipal Development Plan. PRMS provides comprehensive reviews and updates of Municipal Development Plans.
Area Structure Plans (ASP)
An Area Structure Plan is an optional statutory plan that a municipality may prepare which focuses on a specific area of the municipality. It is a high-level plan that considers future land use and development at a more detailed level than the Municipal Development Plan. An ASP considers future land use in terms of the proposed population density, building form, school sites, major open spaces and trails, and the location of major transportation routes and public utilities. PRMS prepares new Area Structure Plans and provides comprehensive reviews and updates of existing Area Structure Plans.
Area Redevelopment Plans (ARP)
An Area Redevelopment Plan is another optional statutory plan that a municipality may prepare which focuses on an older developed area with the intent to encourage redevelopment and revitalization. An Area Redevelopment Plan considers redevelopment visions such as increasing density, rehabilitation or improvement of infrastructure and utilities, local improvement levies and identifying lands to be acquired for public uses. PRMS prepares new Area Redevelopment Plans and provides comprehensive reviews and updates of existing Area Redevelopment Plans.
Preparing and Updating Land Use Bylaws (LUB)
A Land Use Bylaw is the key tool used by municipalities to implement the policies for growth and development in higher-level statutory plans. A Land Use Bylaw contains regulations for a variety of land use districts (zoning) to control how land and buildings are used and developed, including building height, setbacks and density. A Land Use Bylaw also outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Development Authority, when a development permit is or is not required, and how the regulations are enforced. Every municipality must have a Land Use Bylaw adopted by bylaw. PRMS provides comprehensive reviews and updates of Land Use Bylaws.
Want to make an application to amend a Land Use Bylaw? Click here for more information.
Bylaw Adoption Support
PRMS provides training and support to ensure that planning bylaws and amendments are prepared and adopted in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Government Act. This ensures planning bylaws are adopted with transparency and consistency, which includes:
- preparing customized communication and engagement plans for each major project
- preparing a request for decision at first, second and third readings of the bylaw
- conducting a fair and open public hearing process prior to second reading
- preparing notices and advertisements
PRMS also provides additional opportunities for public engagement including workshops, open houses, surveys and responding to public inquiries.
Planning Systems Support and Training
PRMS provides training and support for other planning related matters such as:
- New council orientation sessions
- Council meetings
- Interpreting the Municipal Government Act and regulations
- Advising member municipalities of legislative changes and assisting with process updates
- Attending appeal board and tribunal hearings
- Preparing road closure bylaws
- Assisting with preparing reserve bylaws
- Providing advice regarding day-to-day planning matters