The County of Stettler Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) has approved a first parcel out for a property owner who is planning to build a house. The decision was made at the June 19 regular MPC meeting.

Readers should note the MPC is comprised of members of county council and chaired by Coun. James Nibourg.

Director of Planning and Development Craig Teal presented the board with a subdivision application from owner and applicant Anthony Borek for a 156.81 acre parcel located at SE21-39-19 W4, with Teal noting Borek was applying to subdivide off a 17.22 acre parcel with the intention of building a house.

Teal noted on the development map that the residence was proposed for the spot at the tip of the white line and that this application was considered a first parcel out.

“The subject property is located four km northeast of the Town of Stettler,” noted the staff memo. “The location is shown in Appendix B. The subject property abuts Township Road 39-3 to the south and Range Road 19-3 to the east.

“The terrain of the property can be described as pasture with some treed areas. The proposed 17.22 acre parcel is vacant land. The remainder of the subject land is used as pasture.

“The following report will examine the proposed subdivision in relation to the county’s existing plans, the comments obtained through the referral process, and other applicable planning considerations.”

During his presentation Teal noted that the quarter section in question didn’t currently have any residences on it, so the proposed parcel would be considered bare land.

It was also noted that the county’s policies prefer a maximum bare parcel size of five; Borek’s application was over three times that. However, Teal also noted that the preferred maximum isn’t a rule and can be waived if the board desires.

Teal stated conditions for this application, if approved, would be standard plus two specific ones: approaches are needed for the remainder parcel and some road widening is required.

Staff noted the application met all county bylaws and plans, and no other agencies had any concerns with it.

The board unanimously approved Borek’s application.