DISCUSSION:

Revisions to the siting and land use regulations of the M~3 zone are
currently underway. The amendments have been give two readings and a Public
Hearing has been held. Approval by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs will be
required prior to adoption by Council.

Under the revised regulations, surface off-street parking shall not be
permitted within the 6 meter required front yard and exterior side yard
setbacks that face onto streeta. The proposed building for the subject site
would require a Development Variance Permit to allow for encroachment of a
portion of the surface parking into these front yard and exterior side yard
setbacks.

At the meeting of February 24, 1992, Council gave approval in principle to
a further amendment of the M-3 zone. The proposed change would provide more
flexibility by allowing surface parking within the front yard and enterior
side yard setbacks provided that the total area of required landscaping is not
decreased below the amount that would normally be required if the exemption
did not exist. ‘This regulation will come into force when the new M~3 zone is
given approval by the Ministry.

The Planning Department advised the applicant to also apply for a
Development Variance Permit in case the parking amendment is not adopted
before completion of the rezoning. If all changes to the M-3 zone are adopted

before the rezoning application is completed, the Development Variance Permit
will not be required.

This rezoning application would allow for drafting offices that are
currentiy not permitted in the M-1 zone, but would fit into the context of the
Meridian Industrial Park. The proposed building has a similar design to other
buildings in the Park and would complete the overall streetscape. It is
therefore recommended that this rezoning application be approved subject to
the conditions noted above.

ed Plafmer, Director of Planning

JL/k11

ID554-4/5