Lacombe makes changes to unique residential zoning

• Amend the Purpose Statement to better reflect R4’s role as a medium-density residential district by adding the goal of facilitating well-designed compatible infill development and clarifying its intent to allow a mix of lower and medium-density forms of housing

• Using plain language to describe the density allowed for multi-attached housing by describing it as the number of units permitted (4) or discretionary (more than 4) rather than by units/hectare ranges, (updated from previous draft bylaw based on developer feedback received)

• Also using plain language to define the density allowed for multiple housing developments by describing these in the number of units rather than by units/hectare ranges

• Deleting Apartment Housing as a use within the District

• Clarifying the maximum density in the district is 55 dwelling units/ha (for any housing style allowed, including multiple housing developments),

• Clarifying the maximum number of units for multi-attached housing is six dwelling units per building

• Giving the Development Authority additional discretion to require conditions to support compatible development firstly, for parking design and secondly, for screening between higher and lower density residential uses and/or augmented landscaping

“Council’s approval of these changes to the R4 District provides clarity to our residents, businesses, and developers,” Mayor Grant Creasey said.

“These amendments provide a creative Lacombe-sourced solution to development challenges many communities face. I want to thank all those citizens who provided thoughtful and insightful input throughout this consultation process.”

But not all feedback was positive.

In letters provided to The City, as seen in the March 13 agenda, one resident, whose name is redacted due to FOIP, expressed concern, saying, “Our property at [redacted] was purchased with the explicit intent to build a seniors complex that would accomodate a high number of aging seniors in our church community. Changing the zoning would destroy our intentions.”

“Investors have purchased lots with the R4 [zoning] based on the current definition of R4,” wrote another person. “The new definition sounds somewhat limiting and less investor friendly.”

A third wrote, “The reason these lots were already zoned R4 in most cases is do to the obvious size and full potential of the real estate. A city can’t grow in the right direction without it. We need development and the development has to make sense for the investors/developers. The more people we can generate in and around the downtown core the more vibrant the city will become which brings more business to our city.”

The R4 zoning review was initiated in June 2021.

The City says it consisted of a public and stakeholder engagement process conducted through a contracted firm, Intelligent Futures, and a planning review (conducted under contract by Parkland Community Planning Services).

“Steps to address the other matters raised by the public through the engagement process will be incorporated into administration’s business plans and future strategic plan recommendations where appropriate,” The City states.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Lacombe makes changes to unique residential zoning

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