The City of Chilliwack’s newly re-written zoning bylaw is going to public hearing Tuesday night.
The document has been updated to reflect “best practices” in urban planning and development, say city officials, and to dovetail with the 2040 Official Community Plan, according to the staff report prepared for the Aug. 18 meeting.
“In addition, the document is improved, updated and simplified with a user-friendly and organized layout to be easily interpreted and implemented by staff, council, developers and community members.”
The existing bylaw will be repealed and replaced with the new one.
Tonight’s public hearing at 7 p.m. comes after council gives the bylaw introduction, first and second reading. The zoning bylaw re-write has been underway for three years.
What is a zoning bylaw? It covers land use zones, permitted uses and densities, building size, lot sizes, parking.
Residents may want to review, and then offer feedback about the new zoning bylaw. Written submissions were due Monday at 4 p.m.
So what is new in the bylaw?
The backgrounder lists key areas such as:
• Land uses in commercial areas
• Drive-throughs
• Pathways townhouse developments
• Amenity spaces
• Bike racks in new developments
• Parking standards
• EV Charging Stations
READ MORE: Let’s talk zoning
The public hearing is Aug. 18, 2020 but due to pandemic restrictions, public attendance at city hall for council meetings is not permitted at this time.
However there are online options.
Participate LIVE through a Zoom Webinar, with details at www.chilliwack.com/ph Be prepared to provide the public hearing number you would like to speak on along with your full name and address
“You will be allowed to present once for each public hearing and be given up to 15 minutes to make your presentation.
Participate LIVE through Phone Conferencing by: Phoning 604.793.2700 and following participation instructions provided. Be prepared to provide the public hearing number you would like to speak on along with your full name and address.
Council meeting will be broadcast live on the City of Chilliwack website : www.chilliwack.com/live for viewing by the public.
Please note that no further information or submissions can be considered by Council after the public hearing.
Once the zoning bylaw has been to public hearing, with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure approval, staff has recommended that council give third reading and adoption to the bylaw.
READ MORE: Secondary suites now permitted
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
@CHWKjourno
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.