Redesignation (zoning) is a public process that changes the uses allowed on a parcel of land. The time and cost of the redesignation process depends on each application, on factors such as:
- the type of land you own (your current land designation)
- your experience (some Rocky Viewers have never gone through the process before, some have no experience but have hired professional help such as land agents, and surveyors and developers who just need to know what the County’s processes are).
- the complexity of your application/proposal
You can look up your current land use designation on the Rocky View County Atlas, and refer to the Land Use Bylaw [Part 4] (PDF) for the rules covering that use.
The Redesignation Process
This is a general overview of how the redesignation application process works, from planning, to your application, to how the application moves through the County, to approval or refusal, and the next steps.
Step One: Prepare your Proposal
Review the requirements of redesignating your land, which are listed in each application package (see Forms & Documents, below). Ensure you have read and completed all of the application forms and checklists. If you have a complex proposal, you may want to book a pre-application meeting with the County’s Planning department, or consider hiring a consultant to help you.
Please note that the County charges fees for consultations and applications. View fees (PDF)
While County staff can assist with and process your application, they cannot predict whether your application will be approved or refused by Council.
Step Two: Submit Your Redesignation Application
Make a redesignation application to the County’s Planning Services department. Applications should be complete. Incomplete applications may delay the process.
Redesignation Forms & Documents
Depending on your application, these are the forms you will need to make your application.
How to Submit Your Redesignation Application
All planning applications must be submitted in person. You must provide a hard copy AND digital copy (USB or compact disc) of your submission.
Please clearly label your redesignation submission as:
ATTENTION: Rocky View County Planning Services
Regarding: Redesignation Submission
262075 Rocky View Point
Rocky View County, AB
T4A 0X2
Step Three: Notification and Circulation
Applicants are required to install and maintain the display of a public notice sign for certain types of Planning Applications as per County Policy C-327.
Your application is circulated through several County departments and government agencies. Agencies may include school divisions, other municipalities, and provincial government agencies such as Alberta Environment. Adjacent landowners are also notified.
All comments will form part of our assessment of your application.
Step Four: The County Evaluates Your Redesignation Application
County planners will review your application. Planners take many things into consideration such as:
- County policies and documents
- Suitability of the site for your requested land use designation
- The potential impact on the land of your neighbours
- If the land is accessible by a road
- Stormwater management and drainage
- All of the comments from agencies provided during the circulation step
County staff will also visit the land. A video of the land will be taken and used at a public hearing.
A County planner will then prepare a report to Council and make a recommendation based on the evaluation. Your application will be scheduled for a public hearing during a County Council meeting.
Step Five: The County Sends a Notification of the Public Hearing of Your Application
The County is required to let the public know about your public hearing. We do this in several ways, such as:
- Notifying your neighbours by mail
- Advertising in the local newspaper, the Rocky View Weekly, through a Notice of Public Hearing with important information about the proposal, the location of the land, application details, hearing rules, and the hearing time and date
You are encouraged to attend the public hearing where your application is presented to County Council.
Step Six: Your Application is Considered at a Public Hearing
The public hearing takes place during a County Council meeting. The planner will present a report on your application.
Council Council with either approve or refuse your application.
- If County Council does not approve your application for redesignation, your application is closed.
- If County Council does approve your redesignation application, the next step is for you to apply for subdivision or a development permit.