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Track Council's Record
How Council Voted on Spot Zoning
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October 2004 (Last Updated: 11 Jun 05)
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At a Special Meeting of Council on Monday, September 27, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed rezoning of a private residence (9344 Ardmore Drive) from rural residential to a comprehensive development zone (CD). A change of this magnitude requires amendments to both the Official Community Plan (OCP) and the Zoning Bylaws.
As stated in the OCP: “comprehensive development zones specifically regulate the development of a particular site that, in the District’s opinion, should receive innovative treatment.” Examples are the Cresswell development on McTavish Road, Canoe Cove Marina, and the Deep Cove Chalet. Presently there are five CD properties in North Saanich.
In this case, the owner was applying to re-zone his property so he could build a house larger than the current bylaws allow.
Residents opposing the changes argued that spot zoning destabilises the neighbourhood, undermines community vision, and sets a precedent. Those supporitng the rezoning noted that the applicant could subdivide the property and achieve the same development, which would be more detrimental to the neighbourhood. For details see District of North Saanich Council Minutes, September 27,2004
The motions to amend the Zoning and Official Community Plan bylaws were carried, with the Council voting as follows:
For
Against
- Councillor Goulet
- Councillor Thomas
Absent
- Councillor Hartshorne was absent due to illness.
- Councillor Bird was absent due to a declared conflict of interest with the property at 9344 Ardmore Drive.
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The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received. Comments submitted by our readers are the personal views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of North Saanich Online.
Anny Scoones, North Saanich
It's great that you inform the public how Council votes, just be sure to give the Councillor's reasons for voting that way as well.
Also, I note that your above article avoids mentioning the reasons the public spoke for the zoning change - you might want to present that side as well
Editors Note:
Good point, Anny. We have amended the article to note the views of those who supported the rezoning. Regarding Councillors' reasons for voting one way or the other, you and the other members of Council are welcome to use this space to 'have your say', and all of you have an open invitation to express your point of view in a full article on the "Views from the Council Chamber" page. We also note that the article provides a link enabling readers to review the minutes of the meeting.
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