ST. PAUL – The County of St. Paul approved the first reading of a bylaw that would make it easier for people to build homes on small, vacant lots in the hamlet of Heinsburg.
Gary Buchanan, Director of Planning and Development with the County of St. Paul, spoke during the July 9 council meeting, stating some residents want to see more growth after years of little development in the hamlet.
A previously proposed solution was to relax the current development requirements for specific lots in the hamlet’s General Urban District, which includes the community's historic townsite.
But Buchanan suggested rezoning these lots to a Direct Control district, called Direct Control Heinsburg, would be more applicable as lots in the historic townsite provide mostly residential uses.
Under the proposal, minimum building sizes and setbacks would be reduced; one recreational vehicle would be allowed per residential lot with a home; and each lot would be required to have its own cistern and holding tank.
The district would also restrict non-residential uses and would no longer permit RVs as standalone uses on lots.
Buchanan said there are people particularly interested in building tiny homes on the proposed rezoning lots, which are mostly vacant.
The bottom line is, “They [residents] want to see some development,” said Buchanan.
Reeve Glen Ockerman, seeking clarification, asked if residents and the applicant for the rezoning are looking to turn the lots into a campground.
Buchanan noted that with the changes, people could set up an RV while building a home on the lots. “But it’s subject to you having the appropriate development permit,” he said.
Administration recommended council give the bylaw first reading and schedule a Public Hearing for Aug. 12.
Coun. Darrell Younghans made a motion to approve the first reading. The motion was carried.
