Town council voted to approve a bylaw that will allow a reduction in row housing lot sizes during its regular meeting Nov. 26.
Second and third readings of the bylaw were passed after a public hearing was held the same evening as the meeting.
“The parcel size as it is right now is significantly larger than other municipalities,” said Jolene Tejkl, a planner with Parkland Community Planning Services.
The bylaw amends the Land Use Bylaw to allow minimum parcel areas for row housing of 185 square metres for regular lots and 240 square metres for corner or end unit lots.
Previously the minimum size was 275 metres squared for interior parcels and 325 metres squared for corner lots.
Gary Will, a consultant who was there representing Hawkridge, a developer currently preparing to put in row housing, spoke in favour of the change at the public hearing.
“There's two main reasons we're asking,” he said.
The first was to remain competitive with the nearby housing markets of Red Deer, Sylvan Lake and Blackfalds.
The second was because it was the best use of the plan. Referring to Penhold's Municipal Development Plan, Will pointed out the document calls for a mix of housing types, to have affordable housing and to encourage compact communities.
While Hawkridge is only set to get four more townhouses out of the change, Will said it'll be good for future developments.
“It will have a more significant impact in future developments in this community,” he said.
Tejkl's report said no other comments had been received.
Council unanimously passed second and third reading, with Councillors Kathy Sitter and Danielle Klooster absent.
