From coach houses to building heights, the District of Squamish is updating its 16-year-old zoning bylaw.
Since January 2010, officials have been combing through the existing bylaw to bring it up to date with current standards. Now down to the final stages, the district wants to hear from the public regarding the current draft.
"This document is a critical land use regulation and it is important for the community to be aware of the significant changes proposed and to have the opportunity to comment," Mayor Greg Gardner said in a statement.
On Tuesday (Nov. 8) at 7 p.m. the district is holding a public meeting on the new bylaw at the in council chambers. District staff will be available to answer questions.
Numerous amendments have been tagged onto the document since it was adopted in 1995. Within the 16 years of its existence, the British Columbia Building Code has evolved and new technologies are in practice today, stated the press release.
The revision efforts, which included involvement from consultants and local stakeholders, place an emphasis on improving the clarity of the bylaw to make the document more user-friendly, stated the release.
The new zoning bylaw touches on secondary suites and coach houses. The draft brings the maximum size of a secondary suite contained within a typical home in line with B.C. Building Code requirements.
Changes in the bylaw also allow the construction of a detached secondary suite before the completion of a primary dwelling. The height for detached suites was decreased to six metres to help preserve the privacy of adjacent yards, officials said.
Copies of the proposed bylaw are available for viewing at Community Services located off the lobby of Municipal Hall. For more information on the bylaw contact the district's acting manager of planning and building, Chris Bishop at (604) 815-4966 or email [email protected].
