In what could be a first for Victoria, the city has narrowly supported moving forward with a six-unit houseplex in a residential neighbourhood that – sort of – won’t include any parking.
If approved at a future council meeting, the Vic West development would be a net increase of five homes on the property where a single-dwelling home currently sits at 633 Belton Avenue.
There’s a recognition that the overwhelming majority of Greater Victoria still sees roadblocks to suitable car-free living, but, for the proposal’s movers, the Vic West site has everything.
The location has a transit route along Craigflower Road half a block away, while a few peddles would connect a cycling resident of the houseplex from their front steps to the Galloping Goose Trail connection around the corner.
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Councillors, in a 6-3 split, went with an alternate option staff provided around advancing the houseplex during Thursday’s committee of the whole meeting. Those for and against agreed the project was creative and had a lot of upsides, but parking concerns and some Vic West residents opposing it swayed dissenters.
“This is a really fascinating and innovative proposal,” Coun. Jeremy Caradonna said before voting for a public hearing.
The two- and three-bedroom building includes secured adaptable units, yard space and a neighbourhood-reflecting pitched roof – aimed to reduce its mass . The city said it fits with Victoria’s goals for diverse housing types and aligns with objectives in community and neighbourhood plans despite some minor breaches.
The proposal needs parking, height and setback variances, with the latter for protruding stairs and side yard heat pumps. Overall staff said it came in under the site’s envisioned density allotment and called it a sensitive approach to infill development.
https://www.vicnews....t-for-victoria/
Although this is a small project I felt it deserving of its own thread since it's unique etc.
Edited by Victoria Watcher, 20 January 2023 - 03:58 AM.