The District of 100 Mile House has finalized the process to update the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw.
Public hearings for both bylaws were held in the District council chambers on March 15.
No one spoke to the OCP, but two speakers had comments on the new Zoning Bylaw.
While he said there were many positive changes, Nigel Hemingway pointed out a number of areas that he felt needed more work, flexibility and reviews.
Advisory group member Don Savjord said he was disappointed chickens and bees were not allowed in residential zones.
However, District planner Joanne Doddridge noted there was overall favourable public response to allowing chickens and bees, but time constraints didn’t allow staff adequate time to research associated regulatory matters.
She added this item is expected to be returned to council as an amendment at a later date.
Savjord agreed there was a short review time, and said he wanted to see more “green” initiatives.
He also wants staff and the approving officer to have greater discretion on how properties are developed, as there needs to be less rigidity with development regulation and alternative methods of development.
He also questioned the reference to “Right to Farm” legislation, but Doddridge noted that it had been corrected in a later draft to address the correct legislation – s.555 of the Local Government Act.
Council gave third reading to both bylaws at a special council meeting on March 16, with final adoption at the regular council meeting on March 22.
Both the Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan are accessible on the District’s website at http://www.100milehouse.com/ocp-zoning-update/
OCP changes
The new OCP includes a number of key changes, said lead consultant Arlington Group principal Graham Farstad.
The Community Vision Statement developed in 2014 has been confirmed, he added.
It states: “100 Mile House is a vibrant resilient community set within a healthy natural environment, where people can thrive personally and economically. Simply put – it is Miles Ahead!”
Associated with vision are 14 Community Goals, which have been revised and updated Farstad noted.
• Land-use policies have been updated to reflect community consultation, changing conditions and Council initiatives. A stronger emphasis has been placed on support for sustainable economic development.
• There is strong support for protecting land in the Agricultural Land Reserve and encouragement for local food production – including community gardens.
• Closely related is a new section that covers community health initiatives, including healthy food options, historic sites and public art.
• Increased emphasis is placed on trails development and connectivity.
• Active transportation includes support for sidewalks, which the age-friendly public consultation strongly supported
• The number of Development Permit Areas has been reduced from five to three and the range of exemptions to avoid unnecessary paperwork expanded.
• The remaining three items cover the form and character guidelines for the Highway 97 Corridor and Central Business District and for environmentally sensitive areas.
Zoning Bylaw changes
The Zoning Bylaw saw many significant changes, said Farstad.
• Included was a comprehensive review to reflect the changing trends of today’s marketplace.
• Major revisions included the use of more generic definitions to broaden the range of permitted uses in commercial and industrial zones, reductions in site specific zoning and some reduction in commercial parking and loading requirements.
• Secondary suites were included as a permitted use in all single detached dwellings subject to meeting the BC Building Code and an additional parking space. Coach houses, smaller detached dwellings on the same lot as the principal dwelling, were permitted on zones with large areas.
Overall, the Zoning Bylaw was reformatted for ease of readability and the Zoning Map was updated, Farstad explained.
“At the public hearing for the Zoning Bylaw, Don Savjord, a member of the Advisory Committee appointed by Council to review the two bylaws, advocated more green initiatives, such as height exemptions for wind turbines and solar panels, alternative servicing options, stronger measures to ensure trail development and green burials.
“The other speaker at the public hearing, land surveyor Nigel Hemingway, identified a number of specific concerns, as well as a general comment that the Zoning Bylaw would have too many big-city elements.”
Farstad said District councillors referred the questions raised by both speakers to staff for review.
Mayor Mitch Campsall thanked everyone who participated in the update and development of the new Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw.
For further information, contact District planner Joanne Doddridge at 250-395-2434.
