Usually rezoning requests to accommodate secondary suites dribble in to Salmon Arm council, one at a time.
However, the city entertained an application to rezone a whole subdivision to R8, residential suite zone, and the reception from council was rosy.
The parcel is on 23rd Street SE, just east of Hillcrest Elementary, and the owners applied to the city to subdivide the parcel to create 19 lots. It is designated low-density residential in the city’s official community plan and zoned R1 or single family residential.
City staff report that with the exception of a single family dwelling, the parcel is vacant. Staff stated the minimum parcel sizes are well-suited for residential suite development.
At the city’s Dec. 5 planning meeting, council members expressed their approval of the secondary-suite plan.
“I’m excited about this one. I think it’s the first time we’ve approved a blanket R8 for a whole subdivision,” said Mayor Nancy Cooper.
Coun. Alan Harrison, who is principal at Hillcrest Elementary, said he’s intimately aware of the subdivision because school staff get weekly inquiries from people hoping to buy there. “And they need mortgage helpers.”
Council discussed the trail along the south side of the parcel and what an asset it is.
Regarding the blanket rezoning, Coun. Chad Eliason said he doesn’t think there is any R8 zoning on the property to the east.
“So we’re providing diversity in the neighbourhood. It’s a good mix. It’s a great area for it and I will support it.
At the Dec. 12 public hearing, no one spoke against the application. Council then unanimously approved third and final readings of the rezoning and OCP amendment.