District of Squamish may be granting more parking variances beyond the downtown core if developers commit to net zero energy construction or green building measures such as LEED and passive housing.
The district will also consider giving developers a density bonus for building green.
Density bonus is a tool that allows developers to build more floor space or add height, usually in exchange for community amenities.
The district is seeking a consultant who can review such trade-offs to measure and achieve net zero energy or green building construction in Squamish.
Parking is one such trade-off the consultant will study and make suggestions on.
The consultant will be asked to consider how the reduced parking standards in downtown can be extended to other parts of the community.
“Consider implementation of reduced downtown parking standards in other areas of the community as part of the density bonus,” the report states.
The consultant will also advise the district on in which zone a density bonus will work best; analyse the local market, the existing bylaws and climate; and identify the best density bonus system for Squamish.
On July 2, 2019, the District of Squamish passed a Climate Emergency Resolution, which includes an intention to set interim targets for community-wide emissions reduction of 45% by 2030, 65% by 2040 and 100% by 2050.
Constructing energy-efficient buildings is part of the plan to reduce emissions, and the district is willing to pay the cost in reduced parking and extra density.