Over 120 People Attend Public Hearing

A public hearing held earlier this week to consider proposed amendments to Zoning Bylaw 337 and 722 was well attended by members of the community.

The proposed amendments intend to bring Sunshine Coast Regional District zoning bylaws into alignment with provincial legislation and guidelines while strengthening the protection of watercourses and ocean shorelines within the Electoral Areas.

The public hearing lasted three hours and was kicked off with a presentation by Sunshine Coast Regional District staff. Following the presentation, members of the community provided their comments on the proposed amendments.

There are four specific amendments, which are described, as follows:

1. A proposed amendment to the bylaw calculation of parcel area for subdivision. Action is required related to this proposed amendment to align SCRD Bylaws 722 and 337 with the intent of provincial legislation. This proposed amendment applies to all electoral areas.
2. A proposed amendment to achieve a minimum 17-metre setback for buildings and structures from wetlands and creeks. Action is required related to this proposed amendment to align SCRD Bylaw 337 with the intent of provincial legislation. This proposed amendment applies to Area A only and is consistent with regulations existing in all other electoral areas under Bylaw 722.
3. A proposed amendment to provide a 5-metre buffer to Streamside Protection and Enhancement Areas. This proposed amendment is an optional consideration to address challenges with infractions and development encroachment. This proposed amendment applies to Bylaw 337 and 722 (all electoral areas).
4. A proposed amendment to provide a 15-metre setback for buildings and structures from the ocean. This proposed amendment is an optional consideration to provide alignment of Bylaw 337 with provincial guidelines intended to inform local governments of industry standards that mitigate risks associated with climate adaptation. This proposed amendment applies to Area A only and is consistent with regulations existing in all other electoral areas under Bylaw 722

What’s Next

The community can view video of the public hearing, read the final version of the public hearing binder and continue to ask questions about the proposed amendments by visiting the community information space for the project on the Let’s Talk SCRD website.

In early fall, SCRD planning staff will provide a report to the SCRD Board summarizing public hearing feedback in relation to the proposed amendments. Following consideration of the public feedback, a decision will be made by the SCRD Board on next steps.