Rigsby Street triplex proposal to go to public hearing

PENTICTON – A vacant lot on Rigsby Street in Penticton is a step closer to being the site of a new triplex development after being given the green light by city council earlier this week.

The triplex, which is categorized as a townhouse under the city’s zoning bylaw, would have three units with living areas on the main floor and three bedrooms on the second floor.

Director of Development Services Anthony Haddad recommended council give first reading to a rezoning of the 251 Rigsby Street from duplex housing to low density multiple housing, and a development variance permit to reduce setbacks, prior to coming forward for public approval at the Feb. 7 public hearing.

The development would also require a corner cut of 1.5 metres to match the existing road dedication. Sidewalk and curbing, are also required, at the applicant’s expense.

Haddad said the application represented the best use for the property, noting the Official Community Plan encouraged densification in the neighbourhood. The application also meant redevelopment of an empty lot.

Haddad acknowledged while a duplex may provide a better fit to the lot, the application before council maximized density of the property without presenting a overly crowded appearance from the street.

Council voted unanimously in favour of the proposal, which is scheduled to come before the public on Feb. 7.

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