Land use bylaw

Under the Municipal Government Act, every municipality in Alberta must have a land use bylaw.  A land use bylaw must: 

• divide the municipality into districts 
• outline the uses of land or buildings that are permitted within the districts
• outline the uses that are permitted at the discretion of the development authority

The land use bylaw is a key starting point when planning development on your property. It explains what is allowed and what approvals may be needed.

It includes:

• Section 1: How the bylaw works and a list of development that does not require a development permit 
• Sections 2-6: Land use districts, permitted uses, discretionary uses and minimum development standards
• Section 7:  Overlays to the Land Use Bylaw such as the Digital Sign Overlay and the Western heritage Design Framework Overlay
• Section 8: General regulations for a range of topics including accessory buildings, landscaping requirements, lighting standards and parking requirements
• Section 9:  Use-specific regulations for uses such as bed and breakfasts, day homes, home occupations and accessory suites
• Section 10:  sign regulations by land use district
• Section 11: A glossary of key terms
• Section 12:  Maps of the land use districts across the Cochrane
• Section 13:  Schedules including minimum penalties (A), digital sign overlay (B) and western heritage design framework overlay (C)

You can find your property’s land use district by searching an address on the Interactive Land Use Map on Cochrane's GeoHub. 

Permitted uses (PU) are allowed in a land use district as long as the application meets all bylaw requirements. These applications must be approved, with or without conditions.

Discretionary uses (DU) require a closer review. The development authority considers whether the use fits the area, works for the location and aligns with Town policies. These applications may be approved, approved with conditions or refused.

A variance refers to an alteration to a regulation to a bylaw regulation.  The development authority may approve a variance if the development would not unduly interfere with the amenities of the neighbourhood, or materially interfere with or affect the use, enjoyment or value of neighbouring parcels of land.

The Western Heritage Design Framework (PDF) guides how Cochrane’s western heritage is reflected in buildings, streets and public spaces. It balances tradition with modern design and applies to development within designated character areas. 

 The purpose of the framework is to balance the expression of Western heritage with the evolution of Cochrane as a contemporary place in the 21st century. All development located in the plan’s Character Areas shall comply with the framework. 

If a proposed development does not align with the land use bylaw, a Statutory Plan Amendment Application may be required.