Area Structure Plans

The City’s Municipal Development Plan requires that an Area Structure Plan be in place before undeveloped land may be redistricted for development. If your proposal is on previously undeveloped land that has no Area Structure Plan in place, you will need to prepare a new plan, supported by technical studies and public engagement.

If your development proposal is different from what is proposed in an existing Area Structure Plan, you may apply to amend the plan (if major changes are not required) or to repeal the existing plan and prepare a new Area Structure Plan. Depending on the scope of the amendment, you may need to provide supporting technical studies and public engagement.

A Municipal Development Plan amendment may also be required, as Area Structure Plans must be consistent with the Municipal Development Plan.

A pre-development meeting (virtual or in person) with Planning & Development is required before new plan or plan amendment applications can be submitted to ensure that all the requirements are identified and understood. Contact planning@wetaskiwin.ca or 780.361.4400 to arrange one.

The required studies and engagement will be based on the Area Structure Plan guidelines and confirmed during the pre-development meeting. The length of time required for this stage depends on the studies and engagement needed.

Please review the form carefully to ensure you have included all the information and supporting studies needed for the new plan or amendment you are applying for. 

Applications may be submitted by email to planning@wetaskiwin.ca, by mail, or in person at Wetaskiwin City Hall. Applications submitted by email must be in PDF format. Photos of forms and supporting documents will not be accepted.

Once your application has been received, the City will contact you to identify any outstanding information and arrange for payment. Applications are not considered to be complete until all required information and supporting documents are submitted.

The City will circulate the application to relevant internal departments and external parties. The City planner may request additional information from you based on the circulation comments and will keep you informed of the application status and next steps.

Area Structure Plans and amendments are approved by bylaw, meaning they require three readings by City Council. At first reading, the City planner will present your plan or amendment to Council with a recommendation. If Council gives first reading, a public hearing will be scheduled for a Council meeting at a later date. You are encouraged to speak at the public hearing to help Council understand your proposal and why you have requested the plan amendment.

After the public hearing, at the same meeting, Council may give second and third readings of the bylaw. If third reading is given, the amendment is approved and takes effect. If an Area Structure Plan amendment and/or Land Use Bylaw amendment were not approved at the same meeting, they may now be approved. After that, you may then proceed with subdivision, development permits, and building permits.