Saanich council has unanimously approved changes to a zoning bylaw that limits the size of single-family homes on agricultural lands for housing projects already coming down the pipeline.
Amended on Nov. 18, the original bylaw limited the size of single-family homes on agricultural properties to 400 square metres (4305 square feet).
Applications already in process for homes exceeding the new size limit will be allowed to proceed under current regulations until Jan. 1, 2025. After that date, all new applications must comply with the 400-square-metre restriction.
Most councillors who spoke on the motion cited fairness for in-stream projects while supporting additional farmland protections set to take effect in the new year.
“I think all councillors are sympathetic to in-stream applications and… recognize that there's been a lot of effort that's gone into planning those,” said coun. Zac de Vries.
“I think we are all aware of how long it can take to develop property and to bring forward plans to surprise people who are very near the end,” said coun. Karen Harper.
The bylaw will be forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation for final approval before formal adoption.
