Yorkton Council took the initial step Monday to correct an oversight in terms of allowing Ready-to-Move (RTM), modular home construction within the City's commercial development zone.
"In response to developer interest, our department (Planning and Engineering) has determined Zoning Bylaw No. 14/2003 does not allow for construction of RTM, Modular Dwellings or Manufactured homes within any commercial zones. Existing definitions allow for retail sale and storage of said dwellings and other building materials, but limit manufacturing to the MI-1 Light Industrial and MI-2 Heavy Industrial zones," City Planner Michael Eger explained in a report to Yorkton Council on Monday.
"Upon further investigation, there are at least three locations within commercial zones that are being used for construction/manufacturing of RTMs, with activities starting after the adoption of the current Zoning Bylaw," he said, adding "interest has also been expressed to use other commercially-zoned properties for the use."
Administration is of the opinion that the City likely erred in their interpretation of the definitions, and that this was a mistake to allow this to go forward without going through the Development Permit process, detailed the report.
"Given the prevalence and importance of RTM manufacturing within the City and in the adjacent Rural Municipalities, Administration is of the opinion that a Zoning Bylaw Amendment should be pursued that would allow for such activity as a legal-conforming use," said Eger.
The Zoning Bylaw amendment was given unanimous first reading support Monday, allowing Administration to proceed with the Public Notice process.
