The City of Courtenay is inviting the public to be heard on proposed changes to form and character guidelines for small-scale residential development in the City of Courtenay. These changes are intended to make it easier to build new homes faster by streamlining development requirements, while considering other community goals.
A public survey to provide feedback on the proposed changes is now available at until March 3. There will also be a drop-in open house on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Florence Filberg Centre鈥檚 Rotary Hall (downstairs).
Last year, the City updated its zoning bylaw to align with provincial small-scale, multi-unit housing (SSMUH) requirements. The newly adopted R-SSMUH zone applies to over 5,600 properties in Courtenay. This change makes it easier to build up to four housing units on many residential lots, depending on lot size, location and servicing.
Form and character Development Permit Areas (DPAs) guide land use and development to address community objectives related to building design, siting, landscaping, protection of the natural environment and sustainability (energy and water conservation, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions).
The proposed changes would mean the form and character guidelines for DPA2 would no longer apply to development with fewer than three units, and would offer more flexibility on building design. These updates are designed to help integrate new development into neighbourhoods and align with provincial housing requirements.
DPA1 for commercial, industrial, mixed-use and multi-residential properties, would no longer include three- and four-unit developments.
In April, Council will consider the engagement summary and the proposed amended bylaws. A public hearing will follow, where residents can provide written or verbal feedback.
Find detailed information on the project page, including a document library, timeline, survey, FAQs and project contacts. Visit .
