Summerland’s new zoning bylaw moved one step closer to adoption as council gave second and third readings to the bylaw following a public hearing on Monday evening.
Many of the concerns raised at the public hearing were over specifics of the bylaw such as lot sizes and house sizes, regulations governing temporary farm help accommodations on agricultural properties and densification.
Naomi DeLury asked about the smaller lot sizes which will be allowed if the bylaw passes.
She said she once had three neighbours at her Trout Creek home but now, as a result of zoning changes, she now has six neighbours.
Brian Adams questioned the focus on densification and smaller building lots.
“Why are we building these smaller lots?” he asked, adding that jobs have been lost in recent years.
Municipal planner Ian McIntosh said the bylaw changes will help development in the community.
“We believe this zoning bylaw will make it much more affordable to develop in Summerland,” he said.
Mayor Janice Perrino said Summerland’s population is declining at the rate of more than 200 people each year.
“We must continue to have some growth,” she said.
Council also gave second, third and final readings to a pair of bylaws which will affect the zoning bylaw.
One of the bylaws sets out the limits on waterfront development while the other allows infilling in some areas near the downtown core.
The bylaws relating to zoning changes all were approved with unanimous support.