A small lot subdivision on the corner of Despard Avenue and Corefield Street in Parksville is one step from final approval.
Council unanimously passed third reading for official community plan and zoning amendments to create the new “small lot residential” zone to allow 25 single family residential lots of 330-420 sq.m. (3,550-4,520 sq.ft.).
People were generally supportive of the proposal at a Sept. 17 public hearing, agreeing with the developer’s suggestion that it would help the city’s goal of densification and provide more affordable properties to help attract and keep younger families.
Like other proposals at the same meeting, the biggest concern was about increased traffic, with several neighbours saying that Despard is already a busy, dangerous road where people speed and don’t stop at the stop signs.
Coun. Bill Neufeld said he was uncomfortable with the proponents’ suggestion that the houses could be built incrementally, including renovations to increase their size later.
The lots are under the 560 square-metre minimum for a secondary suite, but they have the same 7.5 m height limit as all residential lots which would allow a second storey.
Director of community planning Blaine Russell explained that any expansions would still have to be within the setbacks and requirements of the zoning.