The Columbia Shuswap Regional District presented new tweaks to their ongoing Area B zoning bylaw on Aug. 29, including new provisions that will allow for two residential units to be built on some properties in the CSRD.
The zoning bylaw has been winding its way through the process for the past three years, and will proceed to the CSRD board of directors this fall, then to public hearings.
Previously, the new zoning bylaw restricted second homes on a parcel to a maximum of about 1,000 square feet. The new system establishes a ratio between the main and secondary property buildings, allowing the smaller one’s floor space to be a maximum of 60 per cent of the larger one.
CSRD Area B director Loni Parker explained the changes add flexibility.
“I can keep that old home on there while I build my dream home,” Parker said, adding property owners could then rent out one of the two homes.
The change includes suites inside one building, or two separate buildings. Larger lots are required for the two-building option.
The new zoning bylaw will also have the effect of legalizing non-conforming buildings, Parker said.
Owners in Area B won’t be able to build two buildings on an existing parcel, then use one as a vacation rental, Parker said. Although there are several vacation rentals in the area around Revelstoke Mountain Resort, they aren’t conforming to existing uses. However, the CSRD operates on a complaints-based compliance system; without complaints, the uses continue. Vacation properties will not be grandfathered in once the new zoning bylaw is adopted.
Another new change in the proposed zoning bylaw is a new “standalone residential campsite” provision. Those purchasing property will be permitted to camp or park RVs on their property indefinitely, provided they have a septic system.
Parker explained the new rule is designed with the hope these campers will eventually build a home on the site.
Just under a dozen residents attended the information meeting.
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For more information on the bylaw, including source documents, follow this link.