Parks Canada has made it a little bit easier for people who want to make minor renovations to their homes, private accommodations or home-based businesses.
In July, Parks Canada published a public notice with a list of minor variances and discretionary use applications that would no longer require public review鈥揺ssentially cutting the amount of red tape for homeowners and frivolous work for the Planning and Development Advisory Committee (PDAC).
鈥淲e鈥檙e just trying to streamline the process, make it easier for our clients and easier on ourselves and not waste the time of the committee on things that are basically rubberstamped,鈥� explained Cathy Jenkins, realty and municipal manager for Parks.
The changes mean homeowners will no longer have to make a case before PDAC to build additional entrances into their homes or create a third bathroom, as long as the new additions are for the primary household or an approved suite and there is no public objection to the plans during a two-week review period.
While the changes will streamline the application process proponents will still need to apply for a permit through Parks before they can proceed with their project. For a full list of minor variances and discretionary uses that no longer require public review by PDAC see the fact box at the bottom of this story.
鈥淭he creation of a third full-bathroom used to have to go through PDAC to make sure people weren鈥檛 creating a non-approved suite, but it鈥檚 pretty easy to tell if a bathroom is being put in to create a suite or serve the needs of the primary household,鈥� said Jenkins.
According to the public notice, any minor variance or discretionary use listed in the fact box will now be posted on Jasper National Park鈥檚 website for a two week period for public review and comments.
If there is any public opposition or concern to a proposed development it will automatically be reviewed by PDAC.
鈥淚f nobody has any objection or any response then we will just approve it without a hearing,鈥� said Jenkins.
鈥淎ny other variances that are not in that list will still go to PDAC as they always have,鈥� she said, referring to applications that require major variances and relaxations, such as re-zoning.
She estimated the changes will speed up the application process by about six weeks.
For more information contact the administration office at 780-852-6114.
List of minor variances and discretionary uses that no longer require public review by PDAC
- An access door (commonly referred to as a 鈥渕an door鈥�) to an attached garage that creates a third entrance.
- Creation of a third full bathroom (ensuite) as long as it serves the primary household or approved home accommodation.
- Additional entrances that will not create non-approved suites.
- A one or two room private home accommodation that meets all of the requirements.
- Type-two business (home based business) that meets all the requirements.
- The creation of a vestibule or small foyer as long as it will not be used to create a non-approved suite.聽
Paul Clarke
[email protected]
