Council looking to allow height changes in downtown zoning not impacting on views

The City of Prince Rupert Zoning map detailing height restrictions
across the various sectors of the downtown and Cow Bay areas
(from City of PR)

City Council received a report from the Planning department on Monday evening that suggested a small tweak to the city's recently adopted Official Community Plan, one that would allow for taller buildings than those currently permitted in the downtown core of the city.

As it sits at the moment, the majority of the downtown or Upper Town and Mid-Town areas of the city is limited to structures of 3-4 stories, the change as explained, would allow for an increase to that rule should the request offer a low impact in terms of view obstruction.

The reworking of the OCP requirement noted as follows:

Rather than having property owners seek an Official Community Plan amendment each time a relevant Zoning Bylaw amendment or Development Variance Permit is desired, it is proposed that Council amend the Official Community Plan to specify that Council may allow a building height higher than contemplated by the Official Community Plan's building height framework for the City Core if Council considers a building height to be low impact in terms of view obstruction.

The prospect of saving money with less paperwork also an element of the recommendation.

In terms of costs or budget impacts to the City from proceeding with City of Prince Rupert Official Community Plan Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3479, 2022, it should be noted that it would result in fewer Official Community Plan amendment applications. 

As application fees obtained by the City in relation to Official Community Plan amendment applications may not entirely cover the expenses (especially staff time) incurred by the City while processing the applications, this amendment would likely save City funds.

City Council provided first and second reading to the request with no discussion towards it at Monday's Council Session. 

The proposal will now move forward towards a Public Hearing for community input if residents are inclined to do so. 

No date was set for that Public Hearing at Monday's Councils session.

The full report from the planning office can be reviewed below:

The Official Community Plan was adopted by Council in May of this year.

You can review the current Official Community Plan here. 

Some of the public feedback that went into its creation can be explored further through the Rupert Talks portal.

Further notes on Community development can be reviewed here.

Additional background on Monday's Council Session can be found through our Council Session Archive page.