Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review
In January 2020 Municipal Council approved a new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. These documents regulate land use and development activity for areas outside the Village of Chester. The Village is regulated by a Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. Staff are now undertaking a review of the Village of Chester planning documents.
The format and structure of the Village of Chester Plan will match the Municipal Plan, however, the policies and regulations created within the Village documents will be tailored to address the unique opportunities, issues and challenges within the Village.
In January 2020 Municipal Council approved a new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. These documents regulate land use and development activity for areas outside the Village of Chester. The Village is regulated by a Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. Staff are now undertaking a review of the Village of Chester planning documents.
The format and structure of the Village of Chester Plan will match the Municipal Plan, however, the policies and regulations created within the Village documents will be tailored to address the unique opportunities, issues and challenges within the Village.
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Revised Documents Available and New Public Hearing Date
Share Revised Documents Available and New Public Hearing Date on Facebook Share Revised Documents Available and New Public Hearing Date on Twitter Share Revised Documents Available and New Public Hearing Date on Linkedin Email Revised Documents Available and New Public Hearing Date linkFollowing the initial Public Hearing held in July, Council directed staff to make several changes to the Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. This was based primarily on the feedback and comments expressed at the Public Hearing and in written comments from members of the Public.
Council directed staff to make the following changes:
- Density Concerns - removed duplexes from R2 Zone. R1 and R2 now allow only a Single Unit Dwelling and one Accessory Dwelling Unit per lot.
- Expansion of Core Commercial - reverted the Core Commercial Zone to the existing boundaries as they have been in place since 2004 (specifically removed proposed expansion on Duke/Water Streets).
- Seawinds Subdivision - created a new R3 Zone (former R3 becomes R4 and former R4 becomes R5) to allow only Single Unit Dwelling and one Accessory Dwelling Unit per lot.
- R5 (formerly R4) Zone Density - reduced number of units from 8 to 4 by permit, 5-12 units per lot is now possible through Site Plan Approval process
With the above changes, Council again gave 1st Reading to the draft documents at a meeting held on August 8th. A new date for a second Public Hearing has also been set for Thursday September 5th, 2024. The meeting will be held in the gymnasium at the Chester Area Middle School (CAMS), 204 Duke Street, Chester beginning at 6:30pm. Members of the public may speak at the hearing and/or submit written comments to pmyra@chester.ca by Friday August 30, 2024 at 4:30pm.
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1st Reading Given and Public Hearing Date Announced
Share 1st Reading Given and Public Hearing Date Announced on Facebook Share 1st Reading Given and Public Hearing Date Announced on Twitter Share 1st Reading Given and Public Hearing Date Announced on Linkedin Email 1st Reading Given and Public Hearing Date Announced linkAt a Council meeting held on June 20th, Council gave 1st Reading to the Village Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. Copies of this draft of the documents are available in the Document Library on the right hand side of the screen.
Council also announced a date for a Public Hearing to be held on Thursday July 11th beginning at 6:30pm. The Hearing will be held at 54 Regent Street (Tuck Hall). Members of the public may speak at the Hearing or can submit written comments to the Municipal Clerk (pmyra@chester.ca). Written comments must be received no later than Monday, July 8th at 4:30pm.
If you have questions on the Village Review, how to submit comments or questions on the process moving forward, please email planning@chester.ca or phone 902-275-2599.
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Final Draft Documents at Council May 30th
Share Final Draft Documents at Council May 30th on Facebook Share Final Draft Documents at Council May 30th on Twitter Share Final Draft Documents at Council May 30th on Linkedin Email Final Draft Documents at Council May 30th linkFollowing the public meetings held in March, staff returned to Council for a discussion and to receive direction on a series of final changes to the draft documents. Those changes have now been implemented and the Final Draft of the SPS and LUB will be brought to Council on May 30th for consideration.
Copies of the Final Draft Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law are now available by clicking the links or navigating to the Document Library.
If Council is satisfied with the documents, they may give 1st reading and schedule a date and time for a Public Hearing. If Council is not satisfied with the Final Draft documents on May 30th, they may direct staff to make further changes and/or hold additional public meetings to solicit comment and feedback.
The Public Hearing is the final public meeting where written or in-person presentations and submissions may be made to Council in support or in opposition to the draft SPS and LUB. Details on the date and time of the Public Hearing will be added to this site once confirmed.
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Draft #2 Public Meeting Dates Announced!
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Village LUB & SPS - DRAFT #2 Now Available!
Share Village LUB & SPS - DRAFT #2 Now Available! on Facebook Share Village LUB & SPS - DRAFT #2 Now Available! on Twitter Share Village LUB & SPS - DRAFT #2 Now Available! on Linkedin Email Village LUB & SPS - DRAFT #2 Now Available! linkFollowing public meetings in Summer 2023, and discussion with Council in October, direction was provided to staff to make changes based on public input and feedback. This work in now complete and Draft #2 of the Chester Village Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law are now available.
A summary of changes from Draft #1:
- Reverted minimum lot area in R1 (ER) Zone to 40,000 sq. ft. (no change from existing), but maintained new maximum footprint and Gross Floor Area requirements;
- Removed height exemption for solar panels (panels are permitted but must comply with maximum building height);
- Maintained primary residence requirement for Short Term Rentals in Residential Zones. Added language to confirm no "grandfathering" or existing status will be granted to existing Short Term Rentals;
- Removed Corner Vision Triangle requirements for intersections (received good support but determined to be outside of Municipal jurisdiction as vast majority of roads are Provincially owned and maintained);
- Retaining walls 2m or more in height now require a development permit. When deemed necessary the Development Officer may now call for submission of geotechnical report to confirm the work will not create or worsen erosion/hazard;
- In Outer Area, commercial agriculture, which could include keeping farm animals, is now regulated by Development Agreement;
- Shipping containers that are fully clad in appropriate siding and roofing materials shall be viewed as any other structure in the zone;
- Expanded Storm water Standard to apply to developments of 3 or more dwelling units, all commercial and industrial developments, with exception for very small additions;
- Architectural Control Changes:
- added minimum roof pitch of 2:12 for multi-unit residential and commercial buildings;
- Vinyl siding prohibited on buildings with footprint over 140 m2;
- Vinyl siding limited to 25% of public façade for buildings with footprint less than 140 m2;
- Prohibited use of metal siding, concrete block, unfinished concrete, and stone veneer (faux stone);
- added maximum height for accessory structures of 6 m;
- Accessory structures larger than 20 m2 must comply with Architectural Controls;
- Added provision to prohibit dirt, stone, gravel or other aggregate as being used to replace traditional landscaping and lawn areas;
- LUB Map Changes:
- Reverted several properties along Highway 3 from R4 to HC, based on submission from Luke MacDonald representing owners of the land;
- Reverted PID 60093572 from R4 to HC at Owner's request;
- Small Municipal parcel adjacent Tancook Wharf rezoned to Parks and Open Space;
- Rezoned two areas from R1 to R2, based on changes to R1 zone to maintain large existing lot size, these lots did not it the criteria of R1 and would have been limited in development potential while under R1. Areas include: Brunswick-Victoria/Regent-Union Streets and Pig Loop-Harbour Vie Lane/Nauss Point - Municipal Sewer Plant.
Draft #2 will be presented to Council on Thursday February 29, 2024. At the meeting a discussion will occur to determine the extent of the final round of public engagement, which will include at minimum one public meeting in March. This page will be updated once the final public engagement schedule has been confirmed.
Copies of the updated documents are now available in the Document Library or by following the links below:
Draft #2 of the Chester Village Land Use By-law
Draft #2 Land Use By-law Maps (Zoning)
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What We Heard Report Now Available
Share What We Heard Report Now Available on Facebook Share What We Heard Report Now Available on Twitter Share What We Heard Report Now Available on Linkedin Email What We Heard Report Now Available linkFollowing the series of public sessions held in the summer, staff have received a large number of written comments, emails and letters in response to the draft Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law.
These comments have been categorized and documented in the What We Heard Report (available here). Copies of all original written comments (with redactions of sensitive information) are attached to the report as an Appendix.
Council will consider the report this Thursday, October 26th. The meeting begins at 8:45am in Council Chambers (151 King St.) and is open to the public to attend.
Following the meeting, staff will make changes to the documents based on the direction from Council and then produce a Final Draft for consideration and adoption. Note: a Public Hearing will be held prior to adoption which is a final opportunity for members of the public to speak or write in favour or opposition to the documents. More information on the Public Hearing will be posted and advertised when available.
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Village Planning Advisory Committee Meeting NEW DATE - Oct. 10th
Share Village Planning Advisory Committee Meeting NEW DATE - Oct. 10th on Facebook Share Village Planning Advisory Committee Meeting NEW DATE - Oct. 10th on Twitter Share Village Planning Advisory Committee Meeting NEW DATE - Oct. 10th on Linkedin Email Village Planning Advisory Committee Meeting NEW DATE - Oct. 10th linkA big thank you to everyone who attended one of the four public sessions, has called, written in and/or stopped into the planning office to learn about and provide comments and feedback on the draft SPS and LUB. We have been very pleased with the turnout and submissions received to date (we had 135 attendees across the 4 sessions).
The next step in the review process is to bring a "What we heard report" to the Village Planning Advisory Committee (VPAC) for discussion and comment before the report moves to Council. This meeting with the VPAC was originally scheduled for September 12, 2023. Due to the amount of feedback received and to ensure that the report contains appropriate options for changes to the draft documents, a decision has been made to postpone the September 12 meeting. The new date for the VPAC meeting is OCTOBER 10, 2023 beginning at 4:00pm in Municipal Council Chambers (151 King Street). The meeting is open to members of the public who wish to attend. Time to speak and address the Committee is determined by the Committee members at the meeting.
Also, while the formal ask was to submit comments and feedback by August 25, 2023, we will continue to accept feedback that arrives and attempt to incorporate this into the report.
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Village Review - Submit Your Comments by August 25!
Share Village Review - Submit Your Comments by August 25! on Facebook Share Village Review - Submit Your Comments by August 25! on Twitter Share Village Review - Submit Your Comments by August 25! on Linkedin Email Village Review - Submit Your Comments by August 25! linkFollowing a series of 4 public meetings held in July and August, staff are now reviewing and processing comments and feedback received to date. In order to proceed to the next steps and discuss the comments and feedback with Council, we are asking that comments and feedback be submitted to planning@chester.ca, dropped off at 186 Central Street or mailed to Municipality of Chester, PO Box 369, Chester, NS B0J 1J0. We will try to incorporate any feedback received after this date, but strongly encourage you to submit by the suggested deadline to ensure your comments are received and considered by Council.
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Public Engagement Underway! (NEW) 4th Meeting Date Announced
Share Public Engagement Underway! (NEW) 4th Meeting Date Announced on Facebook Share Public Engagement Underway! (NEW) 4th Meeting Date Announced on Twitter Share Public Engagement Underway! (NEW) 4th Meeting Date Announced on Linkedin Email Public Engagement Underway! (NEW) 4th Meeting Date Announced linkOn Saturday July 22, staff held the first public session to discuss the draft Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for the Village of Chester. Despite the damaging and heavy rains experienced over the previous 24 hours, there was a good turn-out and discussion. In light of the extreme weather and travel implications, we have decided to schedule a 4th public meeting. This will be held on Saturday August 5th beginning at 10:30am at St. Stephen's Community Centre (54 Regent St. Chester).
The schedule of all remaining meetings (held at 54 Regent St. Chester) is:
- Wednesday July 26 - beginning at 2:30pm
- Thursday August 3 - beginning at 6:30pm
- (NEW) Saturday August 5 - beginning at 10:30am
The content at each session will be the same, however, discussion and questions will likely differ. Please feel free to attend one or more sessions and spread the word to friends, family, neighbours and other community members.
Feel free to reach out at any time to ask questions, provide comments or discuss the Village Plan Review by emailing: planning@chester.ca or phoning 902-275-2599.
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NEW - Draft SPS & LUB Now Available!
Share NEW - Draft SPS & LUB Now Available! on Facebook Share NEW - Draft SPS & LUB Now Available! on Twitter Share NEW - Draft SPS & LUB Now Available! on Linkedin Email NEW - Draft SPS & LUB Now Available! linkCopies of the DRAFT Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law are now available! This is the first public draft of the documents. During July and early August, a series of meetings will be held to respond to questions and gather comments. Final changes to the draft documents will be discussed and approved with Council at a meeting expected to occur in late August or September.
To download a copy of the documents, click this link for the Secondary Planning Strategy and this link for the Village Land Use By-law. Or navigate to the Document Library on the right side of the Project page for access to all related documents.
If you would prefer a paper copy of the SPS & LUB, they are available for loan or sale ($10 per set) by contacting the Community Development Department at 902-275-2599 or email: planning@chester.ca
Key Dates
Timeline
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Winter 2019/Spring 2020 - Background & Project Scoping
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- Scoping of Project
- Approval of Engagement & Communications Plan
- Establish Committee to oversee Review
- Review Background Reports with new Committee
- Establish List of Priority Topics
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Summer/Fall 2020 - Public Engagement #1
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- Pop-up Kiosk at various locations and events
- Public Information Meeting(s) (as permitted by Public Health)
- Resident Surveys (online)
- Video Presentations posted on various planning topics
- Prepare Engagement Report on result of Public Engagement #1
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Summer 2021 - Resident Survey
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- preparation of survey questions to support the Village Plan Review
- distribution of 753 surveys via regular mail to all property owners within the Village of Chester
- Collection and preliminary analysis done on 236 returned surveys (31% response rate!)
- Presentation to Council on preliminary survey results
- Findings from survey reviewed and used to prioritize aspects of the Village Review
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Spring/Summer 2022 - Village Character and Highway 3 Engagement
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- Prepared RFP and reviewed submissions, awarded contract to FBM Architects to conduct "Built Form and Character Defining Elements study" within the Village of Chester
- Provided support to FBM as the study was carried out
- Public Engagement Session held May 18th at Chester Legion regarding "Built Form and Character Analysis study"
- Preparation of materials and concepts for Highway 3 Workshop
- Public Engagement Session held August 18th at Chester Legion: Future of Highway 3 Workshop
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Winter 2022 - Drafting
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- Drafting of Secondary Planning Strategy
- Drafting of Chester Village Land Use By-law
- Internal staff and legal review of draft
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Summer 2023 - Draft Documents Released for Public Comments
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- 1st Draft of the new Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law presented at Council meeting (July 6, 2023)
- Draft copies of SPS and LUB available to the public for comment (July 6, 2023)
- Review of 1st Draft with Village Planning Advisory Committee (July 11, 2023)
- Public Meeting(s) to discuss draft documents and receive feedback (July 22 at 10:30am, July 26 at 2:30pm and August 3 at 6:30pm - All sessions held at St. Stephen Community Centre 54 Regent St, Chester)
- Collect verbal and written comments on the draft documents
- Prepare Engagement Report on result of Public Engagement and discussions with VPAC
- Present engagement report to Council and if required make changes to the draft SPS and LUB (August/September 2023)
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Winter 2023 - Draft #2 Documents Produced and Released
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- Staff met with Council in October 2023 to discuss feedback on Draft #1
- Council directed staff to make changes, resulting in Draft #2
- Draft #2 presented to Council February 29, 2024
- Draft #2 released to public
- Final Public Engagement on Draft #2
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Spring/Summer 2024 - Approval of New Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review is currently at this stage- Council gives 1st Reading to the draft documents
- Public Hearing held
- Council gives 2nd Reading to the draft documents
- Provincial/Ministerial review of documents
- Advertisment placed in Progress Bulletin to make documents effective
Who's listening
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GS
Phone 902-275-2599 Email gsturtevant@chester.ca
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Videos and Recorded Presentations
- This video presentation has been prepared by Municipal staff to provide information on Secondary Suites. This idea is a cornerstone for affordable housing options in North America. We want your thoughts and ideas on Secondary Suites, please make sure to leave a comment or suggestion!
- This video provides information on minimum on-site parking requirements in Chester Village. The video also discusses the concept of removing minimum parking regulations for the Central Commercial Zone. Please let us know your thoughts on eliminating on-site parking requirements in the Central Commercial Zone, leave a comment or ask us a question!
Contact Us!
If you have questions, comments or suggestions regarding the Village of Chester Plan Review, please contact us and let us know!
Phone: 902-275-2599
Email: planning@chester.ca
In Person: 186 Central Street, Chester, NS