Prospective homebuyers in Penhold may have more home design options if a proposed Land Use Bylaw (LUB) amendment is passed.
During the Aug. 25 Penhold town council meeting, Kristina Schmidt, planning and development officer, presented a modification to the appropriate bylaw to add the word bi-level, and to change the requirement for the “exterior wall of the attached garage” to be even with the exterior wall of the single detached dwelling.
According to the town document, changes to the LUB will affect low-density narrow lot developments with garage district (R1-C) and will create districts that resemble R1 (low density), and R1-A (low density small lot), providing a consistent appearance across lot sizes.
“In 2011, the City of Red Deer conducted a pilot project with the design option requested by developers for Penhold,” said Schmidt. “The resulting streetscape provided an attractive and clean appearance, making it a request for our town.”
Rick Binnendyk, the town's chief administrative officer, noted the potential of R1-C with the proposed design change will result in an estimated $20,000 price drop in homes, compared to R1-A -- creating a “more desirable option” for homebuyers.
“This requested change is developer generated,” said Dennis Cooper, mayor of Penhold. “It's nice that we are able to have a two-way conversation. From a town perspective, it will add some variety to our streetscapes, which will provide options for homebuyers.”
First reading was passed unanimously by council, and a public hearing was scheduled for Sept. 22 at 5:45 p.m. in council chambers before the regular bimonthly meeting. Second and third readings will occur after the public hearing, pending any changes or public input.
Information on the LUB change can be obtained from the Town of Penhold through its website at www.townofpenhold.ca, or from Kristina Schmidt, planning and development officer, at 403-886-4567.
