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Small lot ammendment appoved by council

Council approves bylaw ammendment

Rossland council approved another zoning application for a Kevin Fairweather property on St. Paul Street.

Fairweather has been working to build small, affordable units in this prime area of Rossland. His application earlier this year caused concern amongst neighbours when council debated whether or not to rezone a lot at 2530 St. Paul to allow a duplex instead of a single family dwelling. After a public hearing, council approved the request.

The current application applies to an oblong-shaped 646-square meter lot between Elmore and Seventh Avenues in which the property would be split in half, creating two square lots.

Fairweather has conducted extensive renovations on an existing house on the lot and proposed to subdivide the lot in order to build another dwelling on the remaining portion.

The current zoning has a minimum parcel size of 550 square meters which would prevent further subdivision. The zoning would change from R1 (residential) to R1S (small lot residential).

“I think that site – a small lot subdivision – would suit that corner,” said councillor Jill Spearn.

Staff pointed out concerns about the parking since an existing garage would have to be removed. The applicant would also be told that the preferable place for a driveway would be on the south side of the lot, off the laneway and not where Fairweather intended to put it – where the existing driveway is in front of the garage.

Spearn said she talked with neighbours and all were fine with it.

Councillor Hanna Smith was also in favour.

“I took a close look at the map and also walked around there. If the house is on the south side, the driveway slope would not be as difficult. It’s a better situation. It’s also close to the bus stop.”

Councillor Laurie Charleton thought the smaller lot size would work well in that area.

“My main concern is that the developer will come back and want a duplex in there. If that happens, I’d be unhappy.”