Governance

Denman trustees stop proposed density-bank and permit bylaws

The Local Trust Committee asks staff to examine alternatives and schedules a special meeting on the housing review.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2025-03-18 · compiled 2026-09-06

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The Denman Island Local Trust Committee proceeds no further with proposed Bylaws 248 and 249, which would remove the residential density bank and allow secondary dwellings in rural residential, forestry and resource zones without a Temporary Use Permit. ^[1] The committee also asks staff to include analysis of density-bank alternatives and permitting accessory dwelling units in Phase 2C of the Denman Housing Project. ^[1]

The committee cancels the public hearing on the bylaws after discussing a request from K’omoks First Nation for more time to complete an environmental review. ^[1]

Staff told the committee that the density bank contains seven densities, while the number shown in the Official Community Plan is not correct. ^[1] The proposed changes concerned approximately 292 properties in the R2, F and RE zones; current rules allow secondary dwellings in those zones by Temporary Use Permit. ^[1]

The committee endorses next steps for Phases 2A and 2B of the Denman Housing Review and asks staff to schedule a special meeting before the May Local Trust Committee meeting to discuss Phase 2C actions and related items. ^[1]

The committee also asks staff to engage local environmental conservation groups and First Nations on additional environmental data for the Suitable Land Analysis. ^[1] The regular meeting is scheduled to resume on May 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Denman Activity Centre. ^[1]

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