Land Use Application Bylaw Update

October 9, 2025

The City in the process of updating and consolidating its Land Use Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw and Development Application Fees Bylaw. The current Bylaws were adopted in 1996 and 2005, respectively. The proposed amendments reflect changes in the Local Government Act and current practices for processing Land Use Applications.  

Here’s what’s being proposed: 

  • Modernized procedures with clear steps for all types of applications.  

  • New categories for major vs. minor applications.  

  • New Floodplain Exemption Request procedures.  

  • Cost recovery for complex applications requiring above average Staff time or external resources, such as consultants.  

  • Adjusted fees that account for inflation and are based on average staff time spent on applications. 

Review the draft Land Use Application Procedures Bylaw on our Let’s Talk page.  

Questions or feedback? Send us an email at planning@fernie.ca 

Council will consider the new bylaw at the Council Meeting on October 14, 2025.