Concept images of the proposed 36-unit housing development on 30th St. (image courtesy of the City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

row housing complex

Vernon housing project to be discussed at public hearing

Mar 13, 2023 | 12:21 PM

The City of Vernon will hold a public hearing to discuss a proposed housing development.

An Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment, along with rezoning and development variances are being sought by a developer looking to build a new 36-unit stacked row housing complex development at 3903 30th Street.

The subject property is a triangular lot backing onto the train tracks across from Rocky Mountain Transportation between 39th and 41st Avenues.

The subject property for a proposed 36-unit residential building (photo courtesy of the City of Vernon)

Each of the 36 units would be one-bedroom apartments.

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The applicant is seeking an OCP amendment to change the land designation from the current “Mixed-Use – Medium Density Commercial and Residential” to Residential Medium Density.

The applicant also wants to rezone the lot from “R2 – Large Lot Residential” to “R1 – Low-Rise Apartment Residential” in order to construct the units. That change is subject to several conditions:

• The owner dedicate road right-of-way for lanes and upgrade lanes to bylaw standard
• The owner upgrade 30th Street adjacent to the subject property by installing an offset cul-de-sac, complete with curb, gutter and sidewalk.
• The owner upgrade 30th Street south of the property to 39th Avenue including widening the asphalt and concrete curb gutters on the east side and the sidewalk on the west side
• Prior to final adoption of the rezoning amendment bylaw, the development permit application be approved

A development variance permit (DVP) application has also been filed to vary select zoning regulations for the proposed development.

• Vary street access requirements
• Vary minimum east side yard setback for building one from 4.5 to 1.0 metres
• Vary the minimum number of required off-street parking spaces for residents from 45 to 38 spaces

City of Vernon administration supports the OCP and first DVP requests from the applicant, stating the property is located within the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan and the design for the multi-family development fits with the MacDonald Park Character Area.

However, a second DVP filed in relation to sections of the subdivision and development servicing bylaw has not received support from city staff. That application would vary driveways, access and road frontage; and vary the requirement for a new offset cul-de-sac adjacent to the subject property.

Before any decisions on the proposed changes can be made by city council, members of the public will be able to have a say on the matter.

The city will hold a public hearing for the proposed development, where residents will be presented with the plan, the rationale, and details of the bylaws. The public will then be able to give their opinions on the project for council’s consideration.

The public hearing will be held at the Council Chambers in Vernon City Hall at 5:30 p.m. today (March 13).