The District of Elkford is considering two zoning bylaw amendments dealing with housing, both temporary and permanent, and are seeking feedback on both.
The first, bylaw No 882, follows up on a recommendation the Housing Commitee’s action plan update, adopted last October.
The amendment would permit up to two recreation vehicles to be used as accommodation on site during an active building permit. This would provide contractors more flexibility in finding accommodations for work in Elkford, which can be difficult.
A staff report from the District of Elkford says that a siting permit for each recreation vehicle would be required and the vehicles would have to be temporarily connected municipal services. That connection would have to be decommissioned after the vehicle is moved from the site. the permits would be in six month increments and would require renewal.
The report says that the absence of housing opportunities can be a deterring factor for developers who are interested in projects in Elkford.
The other bylaw, No. 876, would allow tiny homes to be used as coach houses. Coach houses are currently permitted in some zones in the district. The bylaw would allow any property zoned R-1, R-5 and R-MH to place tiny homes as coach houses, as long as they meet parcel coverage and set back requirements.
A report from Director of Planning Jeremy Johnston notes that tiny homes are becoming more and more common across the province as they are seen as a more affordable way to provide housing in a smaller footprint. Tiny homes in Elkford would be required to meet one of several CSA standards, would be required to connect to municipal services and be placed on a permanent foundation.
The District of Elkford invites you to provide feedback on the upcoming bylaws.
Visit https://engage.elkford.ca/zoningbylaw882 and https://engage.elkford.ca/zoningbylaw876 to learn more, read the notices of public hearing and leave your feedback about these zoning amendment bylaws by completing the surveys on each page.
A public hearing for bylaws 882 and 876 is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. January 23,2023 at Council Chambers in Elkford.