Planning Department 2007 - Year in Review

It has been a busy and productive year for the Planning and Building Department.

Building inspections have seen a significant increase in the total number of permits issued as compared to last year, from approximately 200 issued between January 1, 2006 and October 31, 2006, to approximately 400 issued between January 1, 2007 and October 2007.

Single-family housing development activities continue at a brisk pace.  To date, in 2007 subdivision approvals for approximately 150 single-family lots have been completed; this number represents nearly twice as many as were approved in 2006.  Additionally, subdivision applications currently in process will create an additional 200 single-family lots.  Many of the lots that have been recently approved or are in the approval process are smaller-sized lots, or allow secondary suites, which continues the recent Town initiative to increase housing options and affordability.

The first building permits for lots that allow secondary suites have been issued; approximately 10 - 15% of the new houses on appropriately zoned lots are being constructed with secondary suites.

Building on goals to increase housing options and affordability, the Town has implemented a Housing Affordability Strategy.  In addition to continuing to support smaller lots and inclusion of secondary suites in new applications for rezoning, the Strategy includes direction to negotiate for affordable housing during the rezoning process, reduced processing times and fees for applications for secondary suite rezoning in existing single-family neighbourhoods, and support for existing rental stock through a strata conversion policy.

To focus attention on sustainability, and to assist in “raising the bar” for sustainability in development applications, the Town has introduced a Sustainability Checklist on a 1-year trial basis. 

Landslide and Flooding Hazards

Coastal BC has varied landscapes from mountains and rivers, to tidal flats and coastal bluffs.   Along with their attractive scenic and environmental qualities, these landscapes can inherently present hazards for development. 

In order to assess and manage these hazards, the Town of Comox may require a geotechnical report in regard to proposed developments that have a risk of landslide or flooding. The review may be the result of applications for:

·         rezoning to a new zone;

·         variance to a zoning regulation;

·         development permits;

·         building permits;

·         variance to a development servicing regulation;

·         an exemption from the Town’s Flood Plain bylaw;

·         a subdivision of land; or

·         another land-use issue or some combination of the above.

If you have a question as to whether geotechnical review is required for your development or construction or need information on geotechnical report requirements please contact the Town of Comox Planning Department at (ph) 250-339-1118.