INNISFAIL - The town wants to chat with concerned downtown landowners facing property financing challenges because of problematic zoning.
The issue was brought up at town council's regular meeting on July 9, and administration was directed to conduct public consultation with area landowners and develop potential bylaw options.
"The intent is to engage property owners in that block to determine what challenges they are facing and the limitations of having a mixed zoning in a future development area,"said Todd Becker, the town's chief administrative officer. Becker emphasized the town will not know how to remedy the challenges until they know exactly what all of them are.
Administration's report to council said properties located south of 50th Street between 49th and 48th avenues are being impacted by existing zoning being inconsistent with the current use, and future land marked within the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan. Most properties are zoned as mixed use, commercial at ground level, and residential or commercial above the ground floor.
The report to council said administration has received "a number" of inquiries over the past six months about development potential in the downtown core but they are facing difficulties selling or obtaining financing on the properties due to the zoning discrepancy.
Administration's report added the majority of the properties in the area currently contain single-detached dwellings. However, added the report, the Land Use Bylaw designates them within the Central Business district, which results in the properties being limited in how they can be used and improved as residential properties. Those limitations include not being able to build a new garage or additions.
As for the future of this area, the report to council said there is no expectation the downtown commercial area will see any development pressure in the next 20 or more years.
"Allowing the existing housing stock to be updated and improved or redeveloped as multi-family residential units is both desirable and in keeping with the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan," said the report.
