An application to rezone a single White Rock lot to permit two highlights problems with the city's zoning bylaw, says one councillor.
Coun. Helen Fathers made the comment at the April 14 land-use meeting, during discussion of plans eyed for 1245 Kent St.
The applicant has asked for the lot to be rezoned RS-4 (one-unit residential with minimum 12.1-metre lot width) from its current RS-1 (which requires a minimum lot width of 15m) – a move that requires an amendment to the city's omnibus Bylaw 2000.
The change would permit two smaller homes to be built rather than one large home, a staff report notes.
But Fathers – who cast the sole vote opposing the rezoning – said big houses will result regardless of whether the lot is rezoned or not. And, if approved, "it would be an RS-4 stuck right in the middle of an RS-1."
According to a report by Karen Cooper – the city's new director of planning and development services – the surrounding neighbourhood is made up of single-family homes on lots ranging in width from 14.6 to 24.38m. Each of the new lots would have a width of 12.2m.
The proposed rezoning is consistent with the city's Official Community Plan, Cooper adds.
In discussion, Coun. Grant Meyer – citing "a bit of an issue" with on-street parking in the area – asked if the applicant could be made to include a double garage for each of the two homes. Coun. Al Campbell also wanted assurance the homes would "not cause a hardship on the street."
Cooper said the bylaw would require the proponent to provide three parking spaces per residence.
Mayor Wayne Baldwin told the committee he would "reluctantly" support sending the zoning amendment to a regular council meeting.
"This is a big lot. It would be reasonable under the circumstances to have it conform to the (other) side of Kent," he said.
"These RS-1s are not standard RS-1s. They're big RS-1s. I would reluctantly go along with the recommendation."
Baldwin also cited support heard from area residents in his decision.
Council next meets on April 28.