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1. What is the Land Use Bylaw (LUB)?

The LUB is a bylaw that regulates land use and development intensity for all land and buildings in Cochrane. The province requires every municipality in Alberta to have an LUB.

The LUB is intended to align with the vision and policies above it in the planning hierarchy (see how):

• Municipal Development Plan (MDP)
• Growth Management Strategy (GMS)
• Cochrane Sustainability Plan (CSP)
• various Area Structure Plans (ASPs) and Neighbourhood Plans

Other plans that outline the long-term vision for specific areas or uses include the Integrated Downtown Action Plan (IDAP) and Open Spaces Master Plan (OSMP).

The LUB gives the Town the tools to implement these documents by:

• outlining the approval process for the development of land and buildings
• assigning authority for decisions around land use and development
• establishing rules for the location, orientation, and capacity of various uses or developments

2. Where are the various land use zones located?

There are a variety of land-use zones in Cochrane's residential and non-residential areas. Please see the land-use overview map for a list and locations.

3. How does the LUB affect citizens of Cochane?

The Land Use Bylaw regulates the types and mix of housing, and the location and types of shops and services that characterize your neighbourhood. It also outlines the development potential of each property. As a tool for implementing our shared vision, amendments to the LUB will ensure it continues to guide growth in a way that is sustainable and consistent with the character of our Town and our vision for the future.

4. How is the LUB enforced?

The Town of Cochrane is divided into several land use districts that include residential, commercial, industrial and blended (mixed-use) districts. Each district has a specific set of rules that govern use and development for parcels within it. Rules may be specific to the design, size, and use of new or existing buildings, or may establish parameters for redevelopment, such as building an extension or addition for a specific use.


To develop, change the use of, or build anything in Cochrane, applications are required so Town planners can ensure proposed development aligns with the vision for Cochrane. The Town may request changes to an application or, otherwise, award approval. As the Development Authority, no building or development can occur without approval from the Town. The LUB provides a systematic approach for decisions to ensure all applications for land use approvals are treated fairly, and to ensure consistency of interpretation.

5. Can I suggest changes to the LUB?

In order to develop property for a use that is not listed in its district, an owner must request a Land Use Bylaw amendment. Please read the Land Use Bylaw Amendment Brochure for more information.

Land Use Bylaw Amendment Templates:
• Land Use Bylaw Amendment Checklist

• Land Use Bylaw Amendment Application

• Land Use Bylaw Amendment Process

6. Why is the Town amending the LUB?

The Town of Cochrane is experiencing significant growth and change. Over the past few years, policy documents such as the MDP have been updated with input from the community to better reflect our shared vision for the future. This review — the first in nearly ten years — will examine the LUB for consistency with planning and other documents and to move our shared vision forward. The review and update process will also give us an opportunity to ensure the LUB is clear and easy to understand.

7. What sections will be amended?

Several sections have been identified as priorities at this time:
Administrative Processes: To ensure consistency throughout the bylaw, some administrative items require clarification.
Definitions: Update definitions to ensure they are relevant and easy to understand. This will provide for the consistent interpretation of the bylaw for both applicants and the Development Authority.
Enforcement: A review of LUB enforcement is required to ensure penalties are appropriate for infractions and to gauge capacity for municipal enforcement.
Parking: A comprehensive review of existing parking regulations will explore opportunities for increasing efficiencies and help the Town better understand the impact that lot and stall design have on urban form and community design.
Recreation and Gathering Spaces: Explore opportunities for implementing the Town’s vision for public gathering spaces, public art, arts and recreation.
Residential, Commercial and Industrial Land Use Districts: Review Land Use Districts to ensure there is a balance of form and massing, land use, and development. Updates will take into account economic trends to understand current and future opportunities and challenges.
Signage: Update to reflect the Town’s vision for neighbourhoods and the downtown area. Consult with the community on potential needs and gaps.
Slope Stability: The bylaw regulating development on or around steep slopes will be updated to ensure consistent and accurate interpretation.
Wetland and Riparian Areas: Review and explore opportunities for aligning with the Wetland Policy and associated procedures adopted by Council in 2013.

8. What is the timeframe for the review and revision process?

Amendments will occur throughout 2014 and into 2015, with different sections being addressed at different times. The public will be invited to provide feedback on specific elements as they come up for review.

9. How can I get involved?

The Town of Cochrane is committed to inclusive and transparent decision-making. Residents and businesses can get up-to-date information and notices of opportunities to get involved on the Town website, Facebook page and Twitter account, as well as in Municipal Matters.