When you're shopping for acreage in Foothills County, one of the first questions you'll face is: How much land do I actually need? Whether you're considering a tidy 2-acre parcel, a classic 3-acre homesite, or something larger, your decision impacts everything from how you live to what you're allowed to do.
And with local zoning regulations in play—especially around livestock and land use—it’s important to go in with clarity.
Less Than 3 Acres: Privacy, But With Limitations
If you're looking at parcels under 3 acres, it's important to know they’re often zoned as Country Residential (CR) or Country Residential – Suburban (CRS). These smaller properties give you more space than a typical town lot.
What you can expect:
- Room for a home, garage, and a shop
- Ample yard space for gardening or pets
- Limited to “urban lifestyle” amenities—no horses, no small-scale agriculture
- Lower maintenance
- Close to town conveniences
🛈 County Tip: According to Foothills County bylaws, keeping livestock on parcels under 3 acres is not permitted unless special discretionary use is granted—which is rare.
3 Acres: The Sweet Spot for Acreage Living
A 3-acre parcel is the tipping point where true acreage living begins. According to Foothills County's Land Use Bylaw, you’re permitted to keep up to three horses or equivalent livestock units on a 3-acre property (zoning dependent). This makes it ideal for families looking for space, hobby farming, or room for recreational vehicles and small outbuildings.
What 3 acres typically supports:
- A large home, garage, and shop or barn
- Room for a few animals (horses, goats, chickens)
- Space for gardens, greenhouses, or RV storage
- Privacy without being isolated
- Easier maintenance than 5+ acre lots
🛈 County Tip: Animal unit calculations and structure setbacks still apply, but 3 acres gives you much more flexibility for lifestyle use and hobby-scale agricultural enjoyment.
More Than 3 Acres: More Freedom, More Responsibility
If you’re looking at 10+ acres or even a quarter section, you’re entering full-scale acreage or rural agricultural territory. These properties offer more freedom—but also come with increased maintenance and sometimes stricter zoning requirements (AG, CR1, etc.).
What larger parcels allow:
- More livestock (based on animal unit equivalents)
- Commercial-scale workshops or outbuildings
- Grazing land or hay production
- Long-term investment or subdivision potential (depending on area and access)
Things to consider:
- Road access, drainage, and topography
- Setbacks for buildings
- Utilities like gas, water, and septic must be self-managed
- More upkeep—especially for fencing, mowing, or snow removal
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Ask yourself:
- Do you plan to own horses or livestock?
- Will you build a shop or second garage?
- How much yard maintenance are you prepared to take on?
- Do you value privacy or proximity to neighbours?
- What does Foothills County zoning allow on the parcel you're considering?
Final Thoughts
In Foothills County, 3 acres is the sweet spot for lifestyle flexibility. It opens the door to livestock, outbuildings, and the type of living many acreage buyers are after—without the extra work and infrastructure that comes with managing 10+ acres.
Less than 3 acres? Perfect for privacy and space—without the rural responsibilities.
More than 3 acres? Excellent for those with a specific agricultural vision or future development goals.
Whatever size you’re leaning toward, the right parcel starts with understanding how the bylaws, zoning, and land use rules apply to you.
Need Help Navigating Acreage Options?
I specialize in Foothills County acreages—from 2-acre homesites to large farms. If you’re unsure how a parcel fits your goals (or the rules), I’ll help you get clear before you make a move.
📍 Let’s make your acreage dream a reality—with no surprises down the road.
