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Frame and fabric bylaw sent back for modifications

Council questioned whether or not this should include hamlets and the idea of three acres or bigger was mentioned but discarded...

Leduc County’s frame and fabric structure land use bylaw is being sent back to administration for more amendments to be made to land size and tent size specifications.

A public hearing was held March 1, introducing council to the matter, but when it was brought back before the councillors on April 26 some felt the document was not clear enough.

Per the proposed bylaw, the fabric structures often used as soft shell garages will not be permitted in front yards and Coun. Rick Smith wants it specifically stated they should not be allowed in areas of intense urban settings.

Council questioned whether or not this should include hamlets and the idea of three acres or bigger was mentioned but discarded in favour of having administration rework the bylaw.

“We’re encouraging clustered developments, let’s make it appealing for them,” said Coun. Audrey Kelto, referring to the hamlets.

Another one of the stipulations was the structures had to be erected on engineered foundations. Council felt those under a certain size did not need an expensive foundation, as they would be small enough for the peg anchors to suffice. Also, the structures are meant to be temporary and no one would want to build a foundation for something that could only be up for five years at a time, according to the bylaw.

“Realistically all you need to do is peg the pegs down and they stay there,” said Coun. Clay Stump.

Another of the regulations of the bylaw stated, “it shall be the landowner’s responsibility to repair, replace or remove the structure should it begin to show signs of wear and tear, damage, discoloration or any other factor deemed to be detrimental to safety or aesthetical value.”

Coun. Tanni Doblanko was concerned aesthetical value is subjective and could become complaint driven between neighbours and cause issues commonly found with unsightly premises bylaws.