Homeowners on corner lots in Garibaldi Estates could soon operate coffee shops, offices or other small businesses from buildings on their properties under zoning changes headed to council next week. The District is proposing new regulations that would allow “small-scale commercial units” on residential properties in the neighbourhood, but only on corner lots that have an existing home.
According to a staff report, the units could house coffee shops, professional offices, indoor recreation facilities, personal service businesses or small retail operations. Cannabis stores, liquor stores and tobacco shops would not be permitted.
The commercial buildings would be limited to 60 square metres and six metres in height. They could be attached to a house or built as separate accessory buildings.
The District would not require businesses to provide parking spaces, consistent with policies in the Garibaldi Estates Neighbourhood Plan that aim to create walkable services throughout the area. Staff included several conditions to address potential issues with commercial activity in residential areas. The rules mirror regulations currently applied to home-based businesses.
The proposal marks a shift from the original neighbourhood plan. According to the report, staff developed stricter regulations following council feedback on a previous neighbourhood development project. The small-scale commercial unit regulations would apply only to properties in the new GE-1 zone, which covers medium-lot residential areas in Garibaldi Estates.
The commercial unit proposal is part of a broader suite of zoning changes the District is pursuing for the neighbourhood. Staff are also proposing zones that would allow townhouses on most ground-oriented residential properties and mixed-use buildings up to six storeys along Diamond Head Road.
According to the report, the zoning amendments align with a provincial directive to pre-zone land to support long-term housing supply. The changes follow the adoption of the Garibaldi Estates Neighbourhood Plan.
The timing also relates to the District’s amenity cost charges bylaw, expected for council consideration in early February. If adopted, the new system would replace community amenity contributions for small to medium developments. Council’s Committee of the Whole will discuss the proposed zoning changes at a meeting on Tuesday, January 27. Staff are seeking initial feedback before launching public consultation and bringing the bylaws back to council for formal readings.
We already have huge congestion and parking issues
Dump trucks coming through residential streets in the highlands via boulevard.
These are neighbourhoods.
There are bicyclists trying to navigate a very busy thoroughfare.
No more cars! No more high densification. No infrastructure to support this.
Who comes up with these ideas?