Application

The Planning and Development Department has received an application from Saskatoon Land (the applicant) proposing to rezone land in the City Park neighbourhood.

The subject land includes 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 920, 926, 928, and 938 3rd Avenue N, between Duke and Duchess Streets. The site is undeveloped and zoned M1 – Local Institutional Service District and is proposed to be zoned CR2 – Corridor Residential 2 District.

There is no specific development proposal associated with this rezoning application; the intent is to establish regulations for future development.

Planning Context

The subject land is within the Corridor Growth Area, which is intended to provide infill development opportunities along the city’s major corridors and Link (bus rapid transit) routes to achieve infill development targets outlined in the Growth Plan to Half a Million. The Corridor Growth Area is a high priority location for a mix of medium density residential, commercial, and institutional uses and activities designed to support an attractive, high-frequency transit service.

The subject land is designated “Corridor Residential” in the Official Community Plan. This means it has the potential for ground-oriented, low to medium density residential development. These areas are located near to the bus rapid routes and are intended to provide a transition from higher density development into the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Saskatoon Land is proposing to apply zoning that is consistent with the Corridor Residential land use policy. The Corridor Residential 2 District provides for intensification opportunities and supports infill development within the Corridor Growth Area in a range of ground-oriented residential building forms, limited neighbourhood commercial uses such as personal service trades, health clubs, retail, and restaurants, and related community uses such as day care centres and care homes.

The CR2 District is intended to accommodate a transition between one-unit and two-unit dwellings and multi-unit and mixed-use development. The CR2 District provides for density increases by allowing for incremental intensification of neighbourhoods. The CR2 District is intended for development on corner sites, on sites adjacent to arterial or collector streets, or on sites adjacent to an existing commercial, institutional, or mixed-use zoning district.

Background

All property in the City of Saskatoon is assigned a zoning designation under Zoning Bylaw No. 9900. Within each zone, specific land uses are either permitted, discretionary, or prohibited.

Applications to change the zoning of a property are evaluated on a case-by-case basis where both the subject site and the surrounding neighbourhood are considered in the review.

Application Process

1. Review by City Departments: When an application to amend the Zoning Map is received, the Planning and Development team checks if it follows the City's Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw and other rules. They also send it to other city departments to look at the technical details, such as if the water, wastewater, stormwater and transportation systems can support the proposal.
2. Public Engagement: After the internal review by the City, the public gets a chance to look at the proposal, ask questions and give feedback. Property owners within 75-150 meters of the site, the Community Association and the Ward Councillor are notified and invited to comment. Sometimes, a public meeting is held where the proposal is presented, and people can ask questions. Follow-up notice will be provided if a meeting is to occur.
3. Report Preparation: Planning and Development writes a report with a recommendation on the application. This report includes feedback from the internal review and the public.
4. Municipal Planning Commission Review: The report is first reviewed by the Municipal Planning Commission, which advises City Council.
5. City Council Decision: The final decision is made by City Council at a Public Hearing. They consider the report, the recommendation and the feedback from the Municipal Planning Commission. Anyone from the public can submit written comments or speak at the hearing.