Council approves zoning bylaw amendment for storage yard on Northern Lights Drive

FORT ST. JOHN B.C. – Fort St. John council has approved a zoning bylaw amendment to allow for the construction of a storage yard on Northern Lights Drive.

The bylaw was passed unanimously with the absence of councillor Gord Klassen, who was not present during council’s vote.

The purpose of the newly passed bylaw is to change the zoning designation on the plot of land from I-2 Integration Zone Two to M-1 Light Industrial.

According to the city, the amendment aligns the property with the intended uses of the area.

Fort St. John’s Communications Manager Ryan Harvey explained how the city had designated the zoning area when the city expanded its limits. 

“When the city expanded its boundaries a decade ago, a bunch of land came into the area that was either zoned or not zoned through the Regional District,” said Harvey. 

“Because of that process, it allows for the uses of the current property to stay until they decide to make a change.”

Integration zone principles say the area can only be used for agriculture and single-family home purposes according to Fort St. John’s Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019.

The zoning bylaw also says the intent of M-1 Light Industrial is to provide lands for light industrial uses near highway access. 

The light industrial zone can be used for various purposes related to automobile renting/servicing, storage units, recycling facilities, and more.

A public hearing was held on Monday, January 22nd, at 6 p.m. at city hall to allow residents to share their thoughts on the change. 

Mayor Lilia Hansen says the city received one letter in opposition to the amendment. During the public hearing, no one stepped forward to oppose the bylaw. 

The report was first brought forward at the January 8th council meeting. 

The zoning amendment bylaw can be viewed below: