Lacombe City Hall (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

49 Street

Council approves zoning change to increase density and housing options in Lacombe

Aug 14, 2024 | 11:51 AM

Lacombe city council has approved a zoning change aimed at adding density and housing options along 49 Street.

The zoning change was made through an amendment to the City’s Land Use Bylaw (LUB) which redesignates several lots on 49 Street from Residential Single & Semi-Detached District (R2) to a Residential Multi-Unit Dwelling District (R5).

City officials say the amendment allows for added density and more diverse housing options in Lacombe, both of which are supported by the Municipal Development Plan (MDP), the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP) and the recently completed Phase 1 of the Social Needs Assessment and Prioritization Report.

“Lacombe city council is committed to supporting sustainable growth in our community while providing housing options for our residents. This amendment helps preserve our reputation as a business-friendly destination,” said Mayor Grant Creasey. “This Land Use Bylaw Amendment allows us to diversify housing opportunities, increase density in a key part of our community, and increase our municipal tax base – benefitting us all.”

City officials say the proposal meets the intent of several MDP policies relating to infill and density, including:

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• Housing Diversity: Reaching a housing mix target of 35 per cent multi-family units by 2036. Allowing additional R5-zoned land in the downtown area supports this goal.

• Sensitive Infill: Redevelopment with careful design (at the development permit stage) regulated by the DARP.

• Downtown Mixed Use: The opportunity for infill residential development that can diversify 49 Street by adding multi-unit style homes to a block of single-family.

In addition, officials say the Social Needs Assessment and Prioritization Report identified housing demand, supply, and affordability as key factors in advancing the city’s continued vitality.

The City says including multifamily units helps reduce potential stigma in the community around diversified housing options. Increasing multi-family options in Lacombe also contributes to a lower overall housing demand, which can lead to added affordability, say City officials.

Officials note, council approved the amendment to the LUB following an engagement phase, which included written notification to neighbouring properties, and a Public Hearing, with opportunities for written and in-person feedback.

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