RA9 Zoning Changes

[Daveography]

Proposed Edmonton rezoning would allow more 18-20 storey highrises

If the rezoning passes, more towers like this one on Whyte Avenue could be approved without a public hearing. (southparkonwhyte.com)

Edmonton may be moving up.

Some city councillors want to make room for taller mixed-use towers in areas zoned for high-rise development.

At an urban planning committee meeting Tuesday, councillors reviewed a rezoning proposal that would make it easier for developers to build 18- to 20-storey highrises.

"We can get that higher density through a slightly improved and more efficient process," Coun. Andrew Knack said.

The revised zoning would require amenities to go in along with any new tower, such as green spaces, patios and rooftop enhancements.

'We're trying to build a beautiful city as well as ... a big city.'- Coun. Michael Walters

"It's going to be better quality, it's going to look better, it's going to provide those amenities and unit types that will help enhance communities," Knack said.

New mixed-use towers could blend residential with retail, offices, coffee shops and restaurants.

They would also allow child-care services and other discretionary amenities such as liquor stores.

Councillors agreed Tuesday that commercial space in these highrises should be restricted to 15 per cent of the tower's area.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-rezone-highrise-councillors-1.4511399

 

[Daveography]

City proposes extra storeys for developers who build family-friendly units

KEVIN TUONG / EDMONTON FREELANCE
The city is changing zoning bylaw to allow for developers to build reidential homes that are 18 to 20 storeys high.

To encourage more family-friendly buildings, city officials have proposed offering two extra storeys for developers who build at least eight three-bedroom units in new buildings.

The incentive is proposed as part of an update to the city’s highrise zoning laws. The three-bedroom units would need to be built in any of the first 10 floors.

City officials provided a report to the Urban Planning Committee on Tuesday, looking at options to increase the height restriction for apartment buildings from the current six storeys to 18 storeys.

"The city heard from many core communities that there is a need for more family-sized apartments,” said Colton Kirsop, acting director for zoning bylaws with the City of Edmonton.

“This incentive provides an opportunity to begin to have more housing options for families in core areas that traditionally have appealed to young professionals and empty-nesters."

http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmont...velopers-who-build-family-friendly-units.html