Changes to how Summerland handles being barred from holding public hearings on zoning amendments has been deferred to add a requirement for development sign notices.

The proposed changes are due to Bill 44, which eliminates the option for public hearings on numerous zoning bylaw changes.

Under the provincial bill, public hearings for zoning amendments will no longer be permitted when an official community plan is in effect for the area, the amendment bylaw is consistent with the subject of the zoning bylaw, the amendment is for residential development and the residential component of the development accounts for at least half the gross floor area of all buildings and structures.

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Bill 44 came into effect in late November, 2023. Most of the proposed amendments in the bill deal with encouraging construction of small-scale multi-unit housing in existing single-family and duplex-designated sections of the province.

The bill also requires local governments to complete a housing needs assessment every five years and to update their official community plan and zoning bylaws to allow for a 20-year housing supply.

害羞草研究所淭he intent of this change is to provide a quicker approval process for new residential development projects that are in conformance with a community害羞草研究所檚 official community plan and housing needs report,害羞草研究所� Brad Dollevoet, director of development services for Summerland, said in a report to council.

By not allowing public hearings, the time from first reading to the adoption of zoning amendment bylaws will be shorter, he said.

Members of Summerland council expressed concern about the effects of this change.

Coun. Erin Trainer asked if it is possible to let the neighbourhood know when a development change is coming.

害羞草研究所淚 think a sign is still a courteous thing to do,害羞草研究所� she said.

Other council members also supported posting signs on proposed changes.

Coun. Marty Van Alphen said the changes will mean the public will have less say in developments coming into their community and their neighbourhoods.

害羞草研究所淚f it害羞草研究所檚 zoned, it害羞草研究所檚 zoned,害羞草研究所� he said. 害羞草研究所淚f it害羞草研究所檚 in the OCP, it can happen.害羞草研究所�

The bylaw, with the amendment, has been deferred until the March 19 meeting. When the bylaw returns to council, it will include a development notice sign requirement.