By Lyonel Doherty
The Town of Oliver has corrected a previous zoning error on a property at 6410 Badger Street.
At a public hearing last week, council amended the bylaw in order to re-introduce the Residential Medium Density Two (RM2) to the property. It was previously zoned Residential Low Density One (RS1) in error.
Contract planner Chris Garrish said the error was discovered following a recent query regarding the possible conversion of the fourplex (cabins) on the property. He noted this fourplex is inconsistent with the current RS1 zoning, yet consistent with the medium density designation under the Official Community Plan.
Under the RM2 zone, permitted uses include apartment building and townhouse. This concerned one nearby resident who wanted to know if the change would result in “more people” moving onto the property.
She said a lot of “stuff” (garbage) is dumped on the road in that area, which impacts the neighbours. Garrish said the future development of the property depends on desired variances. He did note that the RM2 zone would allow a three-storey building.
But Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said he doubted whether council would favour that building height. Mayor Ron Hovanes said any new structure would likely be pleasing to the neighbourhood.
“It would have to be aesthetically pleasing,” he noted. The mayor said any variances to parking or setback rules would have to come back to council, which would ultimately trigger another public hearing.
