New Zoning Bylaw Adopted
Council adopted the new Zoning Bylaw 2012-20 on July 23rd, 2012.
The new Bylaw implements changes relating to four principles of the Official Community Plan: Thriving Environment, Community Development, Diverse Local Economy and Equity. Consultation on the rewrite took place from January 2011 to July 2012.
Downlownload a copy of Zoning Bylaw 2012-20 today, or purchas a hard copy at the Planning and Development Services Department at 4210 4th Avenue.
Rewrite Process Information
• Chart of Proposed Changes, May 22, 2012
• Open House Information, new Zoning Bylaw Draft 2, June 7, 2012
Building and Plumbing Bylaw Changes
The City sought public input for amendments to the Building and Plumbing Bylaw, in areas of energy efficiency, water conservation and inspections. Click here for more detail on the proposed changes. The updated Bylaw was passed July 23, 2012.
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Animal Control Bylaw
As part of consultation on the Zoning Bylaw, the subject of urban chickens was discussed. On July 9th 2012, Council adopted revisions to the Animal Control Bylaw that allow for the keeping of up to 6 hens per lot in urban residential neighbourhoods. For more information, please check with Bylaw Services.
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Multiple Housing in Old Town
The proposed zoning edits for the RD (Old Town) zone are now included in the proposed Zoning Bylaw. Get your copy of the new Zoning Bylaw using the links above.
Thanks to everyone who attended the second public meeting on March 20. We had another great turnout with lots of feedback on the proposed changes.
Resources
Meeting 1 - February 29
Meeting 2 - March 20
Hard copies of these documents are also available at the Municipal Services Building (Planning Office, 2nd Floor).
Background
Multiple housing in Old Town is currently being reviewed by the City as part of the Zoning Bylaw Rewrite process. Currently, multiple housing is a Conditional Use in Old Town which requires a decision by Council who can approve these developments based on the merits of the proposals. After the recent approval of 2 multi-family developments in Old Town, Council instituted a moratorium on this housing form pending further review of the issue and consultation with residents.
Contact
Please contact Ben Campbell at 668-8338 or email ben.campbell@whitehorse.ca for further information.
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Zoning Bylaw Rewrite Phase 1
In May 2011, Council voted to change City zoning regulations to:
• Allow garden suites on the majority of single family residential properties throughout the City;
• Allow more short term accommodation: hostels as a principal use in two additional zones, and Boarding & Rooming Houses in six additional zones;
• Create a new land use, Supportive Housing, and allow it in 6 different Downtown zones, with a relaxed parking requirement; and
• Change height regulations, by removing references to storeys throughout the Zoning Bylaw, as well as to adjust Floor Area Ratios in several Downtown zones.
Garden Suites are small housing units located on single-family house properties. Following strong public support, City Council voted on May 24th 2011 to change City Zoning regulations to allow garden suites on the majority of single family residential properties throughout the City. The Garden Suite information package and Application Form is available.
Supportive Housing refers to living environments that encompass a range of services designed to assist residents who need support (e.g. seniors and persons with disabilities) while allowing for them to maintain a level of independence.
Increased options for short-term accommodation is important for meeting the temporary housing needs of people in transition, newcomers, and seasonal residents. The City's rental vacancy rate is very low - under 1% in 2010.