The City of Humboldt has dusted off its zoning bylaws and introduced an amendment to the 2016 edition. A report to Council states that the BHP mine development is likely to lead to population increases and further development. With that in mind, the City saw the need for some updates.
Council was presented with a list of proposed amendments. Among them was a recommendation that the effective period for a development permit be one year from the date of issuance, up from the previous 6-month term. The update noted that this gives developers more time to ensure their property is permitted if they don’t apply for development and building permits at the same time.
Another change involves a minimum setback of 4.5 metres from a street facing garage front door to the adjacent site line. This is to provide adequate visibility for drivers, particularly in cases like a corner lot.
Accessory buildings such as sheds can be built adjacent to a main or principal housing unit, a change from the requirement that they be built behind the main building.
A critical change for home-based businesses allows for a shift in the numbers of clients that can visit a home-based business. The increase in frequency of client visits better suits the flexible nature of operations like hairdressers.
Gardens and garage suites would be permitted in semi-detached buildings as well as single dwellings. The change would accommodate an anticipated growth in multiple unit housing.
A full listing of the proposed changes is available at humboldt.ca. The report was accepted for information with bylaw readings to follow.