Paving over a parking lot to build housing with no parking is closer to reality on Victoria’s Broughton Street.
The bylaw required to build six storeys on what is now a parking lot passed the first three readings Jan. 30, after garnering council’s approval last fall.
First pitched in 2023, the project planned for 837 Broughton St. is a six-storey building with 42 purpose-built rental residential units and one live-work unit with no vehicle parking.
The 42-unit building calls for zero residential parking space, though the requirement is 25, and zero visitor parking spaces while the requirement is four. The developers, Fort Properties, will add a mid-block crosswalk at the building to further promote a car-free lifestyle.
During fall consideration, council asked for a few revisions, including adding a new boulevard tree and a marked crosswalk with an overhead sign on Broughton Street in front of the property. The units are to be rental in perpetuity.
The variance includes removing the requirement for 25 vehicle parking spaces. Instead, the development must provide car share memberships for each unit, at least eight long-term bike parking stalls, six stalls allowing for oversize or cargo bikes, with all stalls having access to electric charging and a bike repair station and wash area and space for two mobility scooters with access to charging.
The development variance permit has a two-year expiry.
