Land Use Application Bylaw Update

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The City of Fernie is updating its Land Use Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw, as well as its Development Application Fees Bylaw, for the first time in over 15 years. The proposed consolidation and optimization of the bylaws aim to reflect modern development, promote best practices, improve transparency, and ensure that the costs associated with private development do not burden taxpayers.

The existing Land Use Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw dates back to 1996, with the last amendment occurring in 2005, which removed the fee schedule to create a new bylaw called the Development Application Fees Bylaw. These bylaws are no longer aligned with current planning standards, legal requirements, or the actual costs related to processing applications. As Fernie continues to grow, it is essential to have a clear, up-to-date, and cost-recoverable process for development approvals.

Here’s a snapshot of the improvements being made:

Modernized Procedures

  • Clear, updated steps for all types of applications
  • New subcategories for major vs. minor applications
  • Simplified processes aligned with recent changes to the Local Government Act (e.g. no longer requiring public hearings for some rezonings)
  • New procedures for Floodplain Exemption Requests
  • Clearer rules on permit expiry
  • Tools for handling complex applications that require more staff time

Updated Fees

  • Fees adjusted for inflation
  • Based on staff time and best practices from other municipalities
  • Supports cost recovery to minimize taxpayer subsidies

What's Next?

Council will consider the new bylaw at the Regular Meeting of Council on October 14, 2025. Updates to the fees and procedures will take effect upon adoption of the 2025 Land Use Application Procedures Fees Bylaw.

Get Involved

The City of Fernie is updating its Land Use Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw, as well as its Development Application Fees Bylaw, for the first time in over 15 years. The proposed consolidation and optimization of the bylaws aim to reflect modern development, promote best practices, improve transparency, and ensure that the costs associated with private development do not burden taxpayers.

The existing Land Use Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw dates back to 1996, with the last amendment occurring in 2005, which removed the fee schedule to create a new bylaw called the Development Application Fees Bylaw. These bylaws are no longer aligned with current planning standards, legal requirements, or the actual costs related to processing applications. As Fernie continues to grow, it is essential to have a clear, up-to-date, and cost-recoverable process for development approvals.

Here’s a snapshot of the improvements being made:

Modernized Procedures

  • Clear, updated steps for all types of applications
  • New subcategories for major vs. minor applications
  • Simplified processes aligned with recent changes to the Local Government Act (e.g. no longer requiring public hearings for some rezonings)
  • New procedures for Floodplain Exemption Requests
  • Clearer rules on permit expiry
  • Tools for handling complex applications that require more staff time

Updated Fees

  • Fees adjusted for inflation
  • Based on staff time and best practices from other municipalities
  • Supports cost recovery to minimize taxpayer subsidies

What's Next?

Council will consider the new bylaw at the Regular Meeting of Council on October 14, 2025. Updates to the fees and procedures will take effect upon adoption of the 2025 Land Use Application Procedures Fees Bylaw.

Get Involved

Page last updated: 23 Sep 2025, 02:21 PM