HIERARCHY OF DOCUMENTS
The hierarchy of documents within the Town of Bentley’s land use planning framework is established by the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The MGA requires that each level is consistent with the level above and below it, and that the policies or regulations within planning document(s) at each level may be implemented by those below them in the decision-making process. The MGA provides the legislative authority for municipal land use planning and decision-making, while the Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA) regional plan (or Land Use Policies in their absence) provides broad-based policy directions and principles for municipal land use planning, which are affected through statutory plans and bylaws. The statutory plans provide future direction for the development and use of lands at the fringe areas of the Town of Bentley boundaries Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP), or within the whole Town of Bentley MDP, or small areas of the Town of Bentley in greater detail in the Area Structure Plan(ASPs). The Land Use Bylaw (LUB) regulates the use and development of land based on the policy directions of statutory plans, while the Subdivision and Development Regulation regulates subdivision planning in conjunction with the MGA, applicable statutory plans, and the Land Use Bylaw. The polices, other bylaws and documents contain additional or specific requirements outside statutory plans and the LUB documents for reviewing and making decisions on applications for development permit and subdivision, either in general or for certain types of developments and subdivisions, or for developments and subdivisions at certain locations. Where there is a conflict or inconsistency between a higher-level planning document and a lower-level planning document, the higher-level planning document prevails to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.
Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP/ICF): Intermunicipal planning is an ongoing effort between two or more municipalities to make land use planning decisions in a manner that reflects the mutual and individual interests of the affected municipalities. The Town of Bentley – Lacombe County IDP can be found here.
Municipal Development Plan (MDP): A MDP is a key policy plan that communicates the long term desired land use for your community. The Town of Bentley MDP can be found here.
Area Structure Plan (ASP/ARP): These plans provide detailed planning and land use policies for specific areas within the municipality, typically for new development (ASP) or redevelopment of existing areas (ARP). Industrial Area ASP Sunset Heights ASP
Outline Plan – Non Statutory: A plan that provides land use and servicing frameworks for future subdivision and development within neighbourhoods.
Land Use Bylaw (LUB): The LUB regulates the use and development of land and buildings within the municipality. It includes zoning regulations, development standards, and other rules that implement the policies of the MDP, ASPs, and ARPs. The Land Use Bylaw can be found here
Understanding and adhering to this hierarchy is essential for effective growth management and alignment with provincial policies. It also helps reduce the risk of legal disputes by ensuring that all planning and development decisions are consistent with the established documents.
