The City of Nelson plans to adopt an entirely new zoning bylaw that outlines the type of development permitted in different neighbourhoods throughout the city — but before it does, the public will have one last chance to provide feedback on the proposed changes.
A public hearing on the bylaw is slated for Thursday, January 23 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
This past October a city open house on the topic was attend by more than 60 people and led to several changes to 110-page document.
In the most recent draft, the seasonal restriction on temporary shelters like portable garages was scrapped, and drive-thu restaurants was added as a permitted use for a few commercial properties along the highway in Fairview.
Also the minimum allowable building size for residential dwellings was further reduced to 322 square feet, and a height envelope regulation was added to most residential zones to help ensure future development fits more cohesively among existing homes.
At a meeting in December, Nelson city council reviewed all the public feedback on the proposed zoning bylaw (more than 70 written comments), as well as suggestions by staff on how to address the concerns raised.
“I never cease to be amazed by the number of people in this community who actually come out, spend time and read through huge documents like this and have substantive things to say,” councillor Deb Kozak said, “and that we listen to and incorporate their ideas.”
As a result of changes to the zoning bylaw, amendments are also proposed for the Official Community Plan to keep the two documents consistent. Planner Daphne Powell described the changes to the OCP as, “mainly text amendments for clarification.”
The public hearing is also the place to express any concern about those changes to the OCP.
The city’s adoption of a new zoning bylaw will impact every property in the city. There will be a reduction in setback requirements, increase in the lot coverage allowance, and laneway houses will be permitted on most residential properties.
These regulations are of primary concern to property owners planning new construction. The city hopes the new bylaw will eliminate the need for variance permits for all but the most complex construction projects.
Details about the new zoning bylaw are available at nelson.ca/zoning.
The public hearing is Thursday, January 23 at 6 p.m. at City Hall (310 Ward Street, Second Floor).
