Kitimat’s council is reviewing its development approvals process, with early findings suggesting changes that could impact housing and commercial projects. A study by planning consultants Stantec is assessing application efficiency, public notification rules, and development fees.
Initial findings highlight inconsistencies in the review process, partly due to staff turnover. While the district’s planning staff are praised for their accessibility and knowledge, developers have noted challenges with application consistency and the volume of required forms. The study also suggests Kitimat’s public notification system could be improved by tailoring requirements to project size and standardizing application guidelines.
Another key issue is development fees, which are among the lowest compared to other BC municipalities and have remained unchanged for 12 years. Stantec recommends a fee review to balance cost recovery with affordability.
As the study moves forward, recommendations may include streamlining approvals, updating public notification processes, and delegating some decisions to staff to speed up applications. A final report is expected in May, with council set to debate potential changes in the spring.
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