Material From Original Gov't Discussion Paper
[Summary of municipal livestock planning and zoning from original discussion papersource#1, Mb regs and guidelines p.3-4 ]Municipalities have adopted a wide variety of development policies and zoning standards to address intensive livestock production operations. Some municipalities permit almost all operations in agricultural areas, while others exclude or control very large operations. Some municipalities have no zoning controls in place.
Some local development plans outline only general agricultural area policies, while others include specific guidelines for intensive agricultural operations. These guidelines could include siting criteria to minimize conflicts with surrounding land uses, or the need for design or development measures to protect soil and water resources. Many local municipal authorities seek advice from technical advisory committees when reviewing applications for major livestock operations.
Municipalities can establish specific "livestock zones" within which all intensive livestock operations over a certain size must be located. These livestock zones would be located in suitable areas with low development density, compatible land uses and appropriate soil, groundwater sensitivity and distance from surface water. This type of zoning protects livestock operations from future land uses that could conflict with normal agricultural operations, and gives objectors the right to appeal local council’s zoning decision to the Municipal Board or to the planning district board for land within a planning district.
Another option used by most municipalities is to identify intensive livestock operations over a specified size as a "conditional use" in a "general agriculture zone." This requires public notice and a hearing to consider the impact of the proposed livestock operation or expansion upon neighbouring land. In this case, the council’s decision and any conditions of approval are final and are not subject to appeal.
Councils are being encouraged to make conditional use approval subject to receipt of provincial permits and licences, such as the manure storage construction permit, water rights licence and annual registration of the manure management plan, where required by the province. This type of conditional approval ensures that the applicant and the public are aware that local land use decisions approving a major livestock operation is subject to provincial environmental approvals.
Zoning bylaws can also specify the types of conditions required, such as a mutual separation distance between future major livestock operations and future residential and recreational areas.
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Material From "Common Ground" Government Report
Other Material and References