Vernon Matters file photo

By Liam Verster

Meeting at 6 p.m. Feb 20

Suites, zoning to be discussed at Coldstream Long-Range Planning meeting

Feb 20, 2024 | 2:11 PM

The District of Coldstream will discuss housing, zoning and planning options at a special meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20.

A Long-Range Planning Committee meeting will be held at the Coldstream municipal office to discuss a number of topics.

A report to Coldstream Council stated that, as per the BC Homes for People legislation, staff recommends adopting a completely new zoning bylaw to align with provincial regulations, noting amending existing bylaws previously “proved unworkable” due to the possibility of introducing errors.

The draft bylaw noted mandatory items must be included, such as allowing up to four residential dwellings on a property greater than 280 m2; exempting residential lands not connected to a water or sewer system provided by the municipality or regional district; exempts lots zoned for or currently one hectare use or langer; and permitting exempt lands to have a home and a secondary suite.

It was noted that while staff will attempt to align with the provincial legislation, the only deviation recommended is permitting minimum lot sizes be 500 m2 in Coldstream, noting the provincial regulation of a 280 m2 lot would not be suitable for the Coldstream given drainage conditions, snow clearing requirements, and other potential infrastructure problems.

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

24m ago

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

The draft bylaw changes also state existing zones should be amalgamated into more encompassing zones. Additional zones would be discussed at the next meeting.

Its recommended Council accept the report and task staff with reviewing the draft zoning bylaws prior to the next meeting in March.

A separate report on the new zoning bylaw also recommends it includes policies involving mandatory tree planning for small multi-unit property redevelopment; introduce restrictions for recreational vehicle parking on small multi-unit properties; and limit building massing on the third floor of residential units.

Council will also receive a report on secondary suite implementation options at Tuesday’s meeting.

As the new provincial legislation will permit secondary suites on all properties in the municipality, including agricultural land reserve (ALR) and rural residential lots, regional district staff stated policies should be implemented to address illegal suites. That will include providing them amnesty as long as they apply for a building permit and come into full compliance of building codes, and require secondary suites in Coldstream obtain an annual business license.

It noted there should be no changes to the development cost charges for secondary suites until a full review of the DCC bylaw has been completed.

The Long-Range Planning Committee meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, replacing a previously scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting.

Coldstream’s next Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for March 4.