An industrial building with upstairs living spaces for start-up business owners is expected to get the go-ahead when town council next meets.
The seven-unit general industrial use building at the Osoyoos Airport is being proposed by J.F. Launier, a local automotive enthusiast who is the owner of JF Kustoms.
After a public hearing last week where there were no objections, town council gave third reading to a bylaw to rezone the property to comprehensive development from its current zoning as general industrial.
“The intent is to have one residential unit above each of the strata industrial units,” said Gina MacKay, director of planning and development, in a report to council.
According to the applicant, the live/work units will “provide space, services, mentorship and support to assist new and growing businesses to become established and profitable,” MacKay’s report said.
The intent is to have the owner-operator live where the business is during the startup phase.
A restrictive covenant will ensure that the property is not used for temporary accommodation by the travelling public, for example tourist use or Airbnb.
The proposed development is next to the agricultural land reserve. To minimize conflict with agriculture, the site has been designed to prohibit vehicle access or storage on the north-facing rear of the building. Use of that side will be limited to residential only.
There will also be a six-metre setback.
“The subject property abuts the Town of Osoyoos canal trail,” MacKay’s report noted. “This trail corridor is three metres wide. The trail corridor in combination with the six-metre setback to the building results in a total setback of nine metres. Planning staff are of the opinion that this setback, coupled with the restricted use on the property, will ensure that the [official community plan] objectives are met.”
With no one objecting at the public hearing, there was no discussion, though Launier was given an opportunity to speak if he wished. Council gave third reading without debate.
The rezoning still awaits formal proclamation.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
