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Engaging with the City Planning Department

The Strategic Move in Rezoning: Engaging with the City Planning Department

Navigating the complexities of property development, particularly rezoning, requires more than just a good plan – it demands a strategic approach, beginning with a critical engagement: meeting with the City Planning Department.

In this blog, I will dive into the reasons why this initial consultation is so important and how it can shape the trajectory of your rezoning proposal.

Scheduling a Meeting: Your First Strategic Step

The process of rezoning any property starts with a clear understanding of the local planning landscape. This is best achieved through a direct meeting with those who shape it – the City Planning Department. Scheduling this meeting is more than a mere formality; it's an opportunity to present your intentions, understand the local planning policies, and set the foundation for a successful rezoning journey.

Understanding Local Planning Policies

Each city has its own unique set of planning policies and regulations, which are crucial in determining the potential of your rezoning project. Engaging with city planners provides you with insights into these policies. It allows you to align your proposal with the city’s development goals, thereby enhancing its feasibility and acceptability.

Feasibility and Compliance: The Core of Your Discussion

The core objective of your meeting should be to assess the feasibility of your proposal. City planners can offer valuable insights into how your project aligns with existing zoning regulations and the broader Community Plan framework. They can point out any immediate red flags or compliance issues, saving you time and resources in the long run.

Identifying Potential Challenges and Solutions

Rezoning is rarely straightforward. It often involves navigating through a series of challenges, from community opposition to environmental concerns. An early discussion with city planners helps in identifying these potential challenges. More importantly, it opens avenues for solutions and adjustments in your proposal, ensuring a smoother approval process.

Building Relationships for Future Collaboration

Engaging with the City Planning Department is also about building relationships. Establishing a positive and collaborative relationship with city planners can be beneficial in the long run. It creates a channel for continuous dialogue, essential for addressing any issues that may arise during the rezoning process.

Preparing for the Meeting

To make the most of this meeting, go prepared. Understand your property and its current zoning status, have a clear outline of your proposal, and be ready to discuss how it aligns with the city’s planning objectives. Being well-prepared not only shows professionalism but also increases the likelihood of a productive discussion.

Conclusion: A Step Towards a Successful Rezoning

In conclusion, engaging with the City Planning Department is a step that cannot be overlooked in the rezoning process. It sets the stage for your project, ensuring that your proposal is feasible, compliant, and aligned with the city’s planning goals. This initial consultation can significantly impact the success of your rezoning efforts, helping you navigate through the complexities of urban planning with greater confidence and clarity.

Remember, the path to successful property development is paved with informed decisions and strategic partnerships. Engaging with the City Planning Department is your first significant stride in this journey.

With this blog, property owners and developers can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of early engagement with city planning departments and how it can influence the success of their rezoning proposals.

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Monthly Market Stats: Dec 2023

Hello,

I hope you're have a great week!

Please see the below Real Estate Market Stats for December 2023. 

Key Insights:

  • Positive growth in the condominium market.
  • Steady demand for single-family homes.
  • Seasonal fluctuations typical in sales figures.
  • Overall annual sales show a slight dip in total sales.
  • Active listings decreased from the previous month but significantly increased year-over-year.
  • Benchmark values for single-family homes increased year-over-year, while condominium values saw a slight decrease.
 
 

December 2023 Market Overview: Greater Victoria

  • Total Sales: 329 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region.
  • Yearly Comparison Sales:
    • Increase of 2.8% from December 2022 (320 properties sold).
  • November to December Sales:
    • Decrease of 16.5% from November 2023.
  • Condominium Sales:
    • 108 units sold, up 14.9% from December 2022.
  • Single-Family Home Sales:
    • 158 homes sold, a 1.3% increase from December 2022.
  • Annual Sales Total for 2023:
    • 6,207 properties sold.
    • Represents an 8.77% decrease from the 6,804 sold in 2022.
 
 

Saanich Peninsula: MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Values

  • Single-Family Homes (Peninsula):
    • December 2022 Benchmark: $1,166,700.
    • December 2023 Benchmark: $1,230,700 (5.5% increase).
    • Up from November 2023 value of $1,226,300.
  • Condominiums (Peninsula):
    • December 2022 Benchmark: $623,200.
    • December 2023 Benchmark: $646,700 (3.8% increase).
    • Down from November value of $646,200.

Victoria Core: MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Values

  • Single-Family Homes (Victoria Core):
    • December 2022 Benchmark: $1,236,500.
    • December 2023 Benchmark: $1,268,000 (2.5% increase).
    • Down from November 2023 value of $1,286,400.
  • Condominiums (Victoria Core):
    • December 2022 Benchmark: $565,800.
    • December 2023 Benchmark: $562,000 (0.7% decrease).
    • Down from November value of $577,400.
 
 

Active Listings and Inventory:

  • Active Listings at End of December 2023:
    • 2,132 active listings on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service®.
  • Yearly Comparison:
    • Increase of 26.3% from 1,688 active listings at the end of December 2022.
  • Monthly Comparison:
    • Decrease of 19.4% from November 2023.
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Guide to Rezoning Your Property

A Starter Guide to Rezoning Your Property

Rezoning a property can be a complex process, but it can also unlock new possibilities and opportunities for property owners. Whether you're looking to change the land use or increase density on your property to unlock value. This guide will walk you through the essential steps involved in the rezoning process.

Understand Current Zoning Regulations:

Start by researching and understanding the existing zoning regulations for your property. Each city has specific zoning bylaws that dictate land use, building types, and density. This information is crucial as it forms the basis for your rezoning application.

Engage with the city Planning Department:

Schedule a meeting with the Planning Department to discuss your intentions and gain insights into the local planning policies. This initial consultation can help you understand the feasibility of your rezoning proposal and identify potential challenges early in the process.

Hire a Professional Planner:

Engaging a professional planner or consultant with experience in the rezoning process, this can be beneficial. They can provide expert advice, navigate the regulatory landscape, and help you prepare a comprehensive rezoning application.

Develop a Rezoning Proposal:

Clearly define your rezoning objectives and outline how the proposed changes align with cities Official Community Plan (OCP). Provide a detailed proposal that includes information on land use, density, setbacks, and any other relevant details. Addressing community benefits in your proposal can enhance its chances of approval.


Public Consultation:

Public input is a crucial aspect of the rezoning process. Conduct public consultations to gather feedback from neighbors, stakeholders, and the community. Address concerns raised during these consultations and demonstrated how your proposal aligns with the broader community interests.

Submit a Rezoning Application:

Prepare a complete rezoning application package, including all required documents, studies, and reports. Submit the application to the cities Planning Department, ensuring compliance with all submission requirements and deadlines.

Technical Review:

The city Planning Department will conduct a thorough technical review of your rezoning application. This includes assessing its conformity with zoning regulations, environmental impacts, traffic considerations, and other relevant factors.

Council Review and Approval:

If your rezoning application passes the technical review, it will proceed to the city Council for consideration. Attend council meetings to present your proposal, address any questions or concerns, and make a case for why the rezoning is in the best interest of the community.

Bylaw Amendments:

If your rezoning application is approved by the Council, the next step involves amending the existing zoning bylaws. This may require multiple readings and public notices before the bylaws are officially updated.

Final Approval and Implementation:

Once the bylaw amendments are approved, you'll receive final approval for your rezoning. It's essential to comply with any conditions set by the Council and implement the proposed changes in accordance with the approved plans.

Remember, the rezoning process requires careful consideration, community engagement, and adherence to local regulations. Seeking professional help and actively involving the community can increase the likelihood of a successful rezoning outcome for your property.

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MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.