Carstairs town council approved changes to local land use rules on July 13, 2026, making it easier to build apartments and four-plexes while giving itself more say over new power generation projects. The changes come as the town north of Calgary prepares for steady growth.
The updated Land Use Bylaw moves four-plexes and apartments from discretionary to permitted uses in certain residential districts. That means developers no longer need council approval for those types of projects, which could speed up new housing. In high-density residential zones, the maximum building height now rises from 12 to 16 metres, allowing up to four storeys instead of three. At the same time, detached homes in medium-density attached dwelling districts will require council approval before going ahead.
Mayor Dean Allan said the amendments are part of a required annual review to keep rules current. “This is to make sure that things are updated so we have control over everything,” Allan said, noting the town’s planner recommends a yearly update. Power generation in light and medium industrial districts becomes a discretionary use, meaning council will weigh each proposal individually rather than automatically approving it.
The bylaw also clarifies that secondary suites are not permitted in manufactured homes, duplexes, attached dwellings, four-plexes, six-plexes or apartments. The changes were approved during the last council meeting before summer break, with the next meeting set for August 24, 2026.
Carstairs has seen a 12.44 percent population increase over five years, reaching about 5,300 residents. A town growth study projects it will need 4,740 new housing units by 2050 under a high-growth scenario. The updated rules aim to manage that development while giving the municipality a stronger planning toolkit.
