Bashaw town council approved changes to outdoor storage rules and rooftop solar permit requirements during its regular council meeting on Oct. 21, 2026.

Council passed second and third readings of Land Use Bylaw Amendment 844-2026, adding outdoor storage as a discretionary use in the Highway Commercial and Industrial districts. The amendment also removes the development permit requirement for rooftop solar panels that meet the town’s existing solar collector regulations.

The outdoor storage provisions cover goods, materials, equipment and vehicles kept in open or unroofed areas for extended periods. Recreational vehicle storage is included, covering campers, trailers, boats, side-by-sides and motorhomes.

Making outdoor storage a discretionary use allows the town’s development authority to consider applications in the two districts. Approval would remain subject to review and could include conditions to address effects on neighbouring properties.

An administration report prepared by chief administrative officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller identified landscaping, fencing, screening and transportation studies as possible requirements. The report noted that outdoor storage can create concerns about appearance and traffic, but those effects can be addressed through the development permit process.

During the public hearing, administration explained that the changes would provide more flexibility for outdoor storage while simplifying approvals for rooftop solar installations.

Administration reported receiving no written submissions. Mayor Cindy Orom invited comments from those attending in person and online, but no verbal submissions were made. Council members raised no questions before the hearing closed at 6:51 p.m.

When the bylaw returned under new and unfinished business, a motion was made to approve second reading. It covered the outdoor storage definition, its addition as a discretionary use in both districts and the development permit exemption for qualifying rooftop solar collectors.

The motion carried without further discussion. A separate motion for third reading also carried.

The solar exemption applies in all land use districts, provided installations comply with Section 9.7 of the land use bylaw. According to administration’s report, those rules limit how far panels can project from a roof and prevent them from extending beyond its surface.

The report also noted that applicable building and safety code requirements, including other necessary permits, would continue to apply.

Administration described the changes as a way to reduce approval requirements for residents while retaining oversight of outdoor storage developments and standards for rooftop solar installations.