Yorkton Council gave first reading approval to amendments to both the Official Community Plan and the City’s Zoning Bylaw to make way for parking at a new medical clinic on Gladstone Avenue South.
“In 2013 Council approved rezoning of Lots 25 and 26 from Residential to Commercial for the construction of a medical clinic with residential units on the top floor,” explained Carleen Koroluk, Land Use Planner with the City at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday. “A Development Permit was issued including a requirement for on-site parking which requires the paving of two City lanes. The developers recently acquired Lot 27, the southern adjacent lot, and they wish to relocate the parking area away from the lane area and to the newly acquired lot. This will eliminate the requirement for paving of the City lanes.”
The current site consists of three legal parcels which are designated for residential use in the Official Community Plan.
“As is typical for lands near arterial streets, the area marks a transition between lighter commercial and residential land use. Although the Official Community Plan prescribes residential land use for the properties, an extension of the existing adjacent commercial use would be an acceptable alternative. Although the primary use of the property will be for commercial purposes, the residential component of the project will ensure the cohesiveness with the neighboring residential area which includes both single family and multi-unit residences. In addition, a required buffer strip of landscaping between the proposed parking areas and neighboring property will ensure a subtle division of the two primary uses and provide privacy. In this regard, Administration is in favour of the proposed amendments,” explained Koroluk.
The amendment applications will be referred to the Planning and Infrastructure Commission at their March 30, meeting.
With Council’s approval Administration will carry out public notice as required under the Planning and Development Act, 2007. Notice will include advertisement in the local paper, at City Hall and on the City website, and a direct mail out to property owners within 75m (250 ft) of the proposed development. This means that a Public Hearing must occur at least 15 days after the meeting in which the item was introduced, said Koroluk.
