Smart Growth Checklist
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS REVIEWED ON BASIS OF SMART GROWTH PRINCIPLES
What is Smart Growth and why should development meet Smart Growth principles and guidelines?
Smart Growth is the integration of the three systems that support us – the economy, the environment and our society through the application of good planning principles. Achieving balance between the three systems is what enables a community to function in a healthy manner while ensuring a sustainable future for its residents. The advancement of these sustainability objectives includes such issues as efficient use of public funds, protection of open space and natural areas and enhancement of neighbourhoods.
We all hear about growth, the good and the bad. While growth is inevitable, there is a way to ensure it is done properly and in the best interest of the community: Smart Growth. Growth in Vernon has been very rapid over the past couple of years. Along with growth has come change. To address our rapidly changing environment a Smart Growth Checklist is being implemented to assist the development community, Council, advisory committees and staff in the design and assessment of development proposals.
A Smart Growth Checklist has been provided in a straight forward format that quantifies many issues that Council and staff consider when reviewing development proposals. Council is requesting that the Smart Growth Checklist be completed when an applicant applies for the following types of applications:
- Official Community Plan Amendment
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment
- Development Permit
- Development Variance Permit
- Subdivision
Applicants are requested to review and complete the checklist and provide any necessary information required to explain, in detail, how the proposed development incorporates Smart Growth principles and guidelines.
New development supports a balanced approach by: encouraging a healthy local economy; protecting the environment through parkland acquisition and “no build covenants”; and ensuring adequate public amenities such as walking and biking trails are provided to the community.
The Smart Growth Checklist is available for download (188Kb PDF) or at City Hall (3400 - 30th Street).
| Contact Info |
| City Planner: |
Dale Rintoul
250-550-3575 |
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| Planning & Building Services Manger: |
Kim Flick
250-550-3594 |
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