FSJ council considering zoning bylaw amendment, development variance permit at next meeting

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John is consulting residents about a zoning bylaw amendment proposal and a development variance permit request early next week.

According to public notices issued by the city on social media, the zoning bylaw amendment will affect the plot of land at 9620 100th Avenue. 

Currently, apartments can be built as an “accessory” on that property, but the proposed bylaw amendment would allow apartments to be the principal use for future developments on that land.

“This amendment supports the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL) in developing an apartment complex on [the property],” the notice reads.

Meanwhile, the other notice concerns a request for a development variance permit to build a 1,472-square-foot detached garage at 11308 109th Street.

The project requires a development variance permit since the garage the applicant wants to build is significantly larger than the standard maximum accessory structure size and height.

If approved, the permit would see that plot of land’s maximum accessory structure size increased from 90 to 136 square metres, and its maximum accessory structure height increased from 5.96 to 6.73 metres.

Residents who want to raise concerns or share their thoughts on either the bylaw amendment proposal or the permit application can submit comments to council by mailing or hand-delivering a letter to City Hall, or by emailing the city.

The deadline to submit written comments is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 21st.

Residents can also attend the February 24th council meeting in person beginning at 3:00 p.m. to “make presentations to council or to present written submissions,” according to the notices.