by Simonetta Acteson, Planning Director, CHCA
The planning process in Calgary can be confusing and daunting for many. Currently, we are in a state of flux as our new mayor and councillors take the helm; all we can do is wait and see if and how things may change going forward. For now, the blanket upzoning that came into effect in August of 2024 remains in effect.
What happens if a new development is proposed near or next to you? For now, most new development proposals (DP) require the city to post signage for neighbours to see what is coming. Beyond the site sign your best link to information is in the city’s Development Map (https://www.calgary.ca/development/permits/permit-application-search.html). Here you can review plans, obtain the file manager contact information, and submit comments. Before you submit comments, we recommend you reach out to the CHCA Planning Committee at [email protected]. We are here to help! We can assist in providing direction on what comments have the most impact and direct you to statutory and non-statutory plans that can support your comments. It also helps our Committee to accurately reflect the concerns of those most affected in our submitted comments. Comments (and any future appeal) should be based on planning principles and should refer to applicable planning policies to have the most effect.
Redevelopment in our community is overseen by layers of plans and policies including the Municipal Development Plan (MDP), the North Hill Communities Local Area Plan (NHCLAP), NHCLAP Heritage Guidelines, the Land Use Bylaw (LUB), and others. Current planning policy allows for a range of housing forms on residential lots from single-family to rowhouse/townhouse forms with four to eight units including suites (depending on lot size).
On the flip side if you are planning redevelopment of your own, approaching the Committee for feedback can be a great first step and help smooth your process.
Once a DP has been circulated, the planning department gathers the responses from the public, your community association, and other internal departments, and may recommend changes. This process can take some time before the city approves or denies an application. Our Committee is not always appraised of the changes that may have occurred before approval, but we do our best to follow up on contentious applications.
If approved, and an affected party feels the DP should not have been approved, the clock starts and affected parties have 21 calendar days to submit an appeal though the Subdivision Development Appeal Board (SDAB). The process of appealing a decision is relatively simple and has a fee of $200, but if you are not familiar with it, this is another area in which your Planning Committee can assist. Providing the Committee shares your concerns, we can support your process through offering advice for the appeal, attending the appeal hearing(s), and even speaking on behalf of the appeal if warranted.
Our committee is always looking for new members to join. We strive to find a balance between the needs of redevelopment and neighbourhood continuity and character. Please reach out if you would like to attend a meeting and consider joining us.
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