Sooke is ending the year by revamping some of its development bylaws.
The district announced Dec. 19 that the new Development Procedures Bylaw is now live. The bylaw is being implemented to streamline development procedures in Sooke by consolidating seven previous policies and laws into a single entity.
“The [bylaw] reflects our efforts to create a clearer, more streamlined approach for applicants while maintaining transparency and opportunities for public input,” says Jayden Riley, manager of community planning.
“We’ve consolidated development procedure information from multiple bylaws and policies and formalized existing tools, such as public information meetings, to ensure we’re meeting the needs of both the development community and the public.”
The new bylaw will improve engagement through required public information meetings for all rezoning residential rezoning applications. The meetings will be facilitated by the applicant, allowing for early public input. Other changes include an expanded radius for mailout notices. Previously, developers were mandated to provide notices only to adjacent properties. Now, they must notify all properties within 100 metres.
Intended to improve clarity and efficiency for applicants and the public, the bylaw aims to aid Sooke in its goal of creating a more transparent and effective development process.
The municipality is encouraging future applicants to familiarize themselves with the new bylaw to ensure a smooth transition to the updated laws.
