Town council is not changing the 30-metre notification rule when it comes to development applications in Oliver.
Council members recently reviewed Land Use Procedures Bylaw 1147 pertaining to the distance of notification. For example, when a development application comes forward, the Town must notify surrounding property owners (within 30 metres) of what is being proposed.
This distance was previously established by the Town in its land use bylaw.
But during a recent public hearing for a duplex proposal on Tucelnuit Lake, it was suggested that the notification distance be increased to involve more property owners.
After considering these comments, Town staff undertook a survey of a number of other local governments in the Okanagan regarding the notification distance (radius). Two regional districts and two municipalities (Peachland and West Kelowna) use a 100-metre radius. Osoyoos uses 60 metres, Penticton uses 45 metres, Kelowna uses 50 metres and Summerland uses 30 metres.
Staff reported there is merit in increasing the Town’s notification radius from 30 metres to 60 metres. But this recommendation was not followed by council. Instead, it chose not to amend the bylaw.
Councillor Dave Mattes said there was no need to change it because the Town already meets the requirements by law.
Mayor Ron Hovanes said he didn’t see the urgency in increasing the radius.
But Councillor Maureen Doerr favoured increasing the notification radius to 100 metres. This would be more inclusive and allow more people to have a say, she pointed out.
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