Height & Density Evaluation Criteria

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The Town of Huntsville is launching a community survey to get public feedback on “Significant Views” within Huntsville’s urban water and sewer serviced areas (the Urban Settlement Area and Hidden Valley) to assist in creating criteria to evaluate development proposals with increased height and density.

In the midst of housing challenges, the Town is proactively taking steps to implement the Strategic Plan priority of "balanced growth" through a responsible and cautious approach.

In April 2024, planning staff completed a Height & Density Background Review and Directions Report, that indicated the need for enhanced planning policy tools. As a next step, the Town is seeking public input on “Significant Views” to inform the Height and Density Evaluation Criteria.

What is “Height and Density”? Why is it important as the Town grows and develops?

Height and density standards are contained within the Community Planning Permit Bylaw (CPPBL). These standards come from the height and density policies associated with residential and mixed use designations as outlined in the Town’s Official Plan.

Currently, the maximum permitted height for multiple dwellings (apartment buildings) is 11m and the maximum permitted density is 60 units per hectare. The CPPBL also defines how height is to be measured. Currently, if an application is proposed with height or density that is over and above the CPPBL provisions, Staff and Council are required to evaluate the request using general criteria, including requirements for Community Benefits. A revised, more detailed set of criteria and guidelines will assist by helping all to understand where additional height and density is appropriate, but also where it’s not.

This will also be a tool to help developers prepare proposals that will minimize impacts, achieve community benefits, and limit review times to address current housing needs.

UPDATE: The public survey has been extended. Survey closes November 29, 2024.

The Town of Huntsville is launching a community survey to get public feedback on “Significant Views” within Huntsville’s urban water and sewer serviced areas (the Urban Settlement Area and Hidden Valley) to assist in creating criteria to evaluate development proposals with increased height and density.

In the midst of housing challenges, the Town is proactively taking steps to implement the Strategic Plan priority of "balanced growth" through a responsible and cautious approach.

In April 2024, planning staff completed a Height & Density Background Review and Directions Report, that indicated the need for enhanced planning policy tools. As a next step, the Town is seeking public input on “Significant Views” to inform the Height and Density Evaluation Criteria.

What is “Height and Density”? Why is it important as the Town grows and develops?

Height and density standards are contained within the Community Planning Permit Bylaw (CPPBL). These standards come from the height and density policies associated with residential and mixed use designations as outlined in the Town’s Official Plan.

Currently, the maximum permitted height for multiple dwellings (apartment buildings) is 11m and the maximum permitted density is 60 units per hectare. The CPPBL also defines how height is to be measured. Currently, if an application is proposed with height or density that is over and above the CPPBL provisions, Staff and Council are required to evaluate the request using general criteria, including requirements for Community Benefits. A revised, more detailed set of criteria and guidelines will assist by helping all to understand where additional height and density is appropriate, but also where it’s not.

This will also be a tool to help developers prepare proposals that will minimize impacts, achieve community benefits, and limit review times to address current housing needs.

UPDATE: The public survey has been extended. Survey closes November 29, 2024.

  • Significant Views Within Huntsville's Urban Core Survey

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    The Town of Huntsville is looking for public feedback on "Significant Views" within Huntsville's urban serviced areas (the Urban Settlement Area and the Hidden Valley Resort Recreational Area) to assist in creating criteria for evaluating development applications that propose increased height and density. The survey would inform mapping to identify and preserve "Significant Views" as we strive to maintain the Town's natural beauty and charm in land use decisions.

    The survey closes November 29, 2024. Need assistance? Check out our tutorial on how to submit your survey.

    Take our Survey!

Page last updated: 19 Nov 2024, 02:48 PM