Under Sections 666 and 667 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC)—which acts as Cardston County’s Subdivision Authority—may require the dedication of municipal reserve as part of the subdivision approval process.
What is Municipal Reserve?
Municipal reserve (MR) is land (or equivalent cash-in-lieu payment) that is dedicated at the time of subdivision to support the creation of public spaces such as parks, schools, and recreational areas. This ensures that future development contributes to the well-being of the community.
How is Municipal Reserve Calculated?
If the Municipal Planning Commission determines that municipal reserve is required for a subdivision, the value of the reserve will be calculated based on the location of the property:
| Location | Municipal Reserve Value |
|---|---|
| Del Bonita | $2,000 per acre |
| Magrath, Hill Spring, Glenwood, Kimball, Cardston, Mountain View, Waterton, Welling | $3,500 per acre |
Disputing the Valuation
If the applicant disagrees with the above values, they may submit an independent market value appraisal from a certified appraisal firm at their own expense.
Important Notes:
- The independent appraisal must be submitted at the time of the subdivision application.
- Subdivision applications will not be considered complete until the appraisal is received in writing.
- The Municipal Planning Commission will review and consider the submitted appraisal when making its decision.
Municipal Reserve Map
You can view the Municipal Reserve Map here.
Municipal Reserve – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Municipal Reserve required?
Municipal Reserve dedication is required for most subdivision applications. The decision to require a municipal reserve is made by Cardston County’s Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) as part of the subdivision approval process.
How much Municipal Reserve is required?
Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), up to 10% of the gross developable area of a parcel may be required as municipal reserve. This can be satisfied by:
- Dedicating land, or
- Providing a cash-in-lieu payment (based on the per-acre value set by the County)
How is the cash-in-lieu value determined?
Cardston County has established per-acre values for municipal reserve based on location:
| Location | Municipal Reserve Value |
|---|---|
| Del Bonita | $2,000 per acre |
| Magrath, Hill Spring, Glenwood, Kimball, Cardston, Mountain View, Waterton, Welling | $3,500 per acre |
What if I disagree with the County’s municipal reserve value?
If you disagree with the value used to calculate the cash-in-lieu amount, you may submit a market value appraisal prepared by an independent appraisal firm (at your own expense). The appraisal must be provided:
- At the time of your subdivision application
- In writing
Your subdivision application will not be considered complete until the County has received the appraisal. The Municipal Planning Commission will review and consider the submitted appraisal when making its decision.
Do all subdivisions require municipal reserve?
There are some exceptions where municipal reserve may not be required, such as:
- Agricultural subdivisions involving a first parcel out
- Certain boundary adjustments where no new lots are created
- Situations where municipal reserve was previously dedicated on the land being subdivided
If you are unsure whether municipal reserve applies to your subdivision, contact the County’s Development Officer or Oldman River Regional Services Commission for guidance.
What is the money used for?
Funds collected through cash-in-lieu payments are placed into a municipal reserve fund and can only be used for:
- Acquiring land for parks, schools, or recreation
- Developing or improving existing public lands
- Enhancing recreational amenities that benefit residents of the County
Questions?
For more information about municipal reserve requirements, contact:
Cardston County Development Officer
📞 403-653-4977
📧 development@cardstoncounty.com