The City of North Battleford's administration. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

MEETING PREVIEW

North Battleford to consider easing residential zoning rules

Aug 14, 2025 | 4:30 PM

Next Monday, Aug.18, city council will consider whether to give first reading to a package of zoning changes aimed at loosening residential development rules and encouraging infill housing.

Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 2187 would reduce the minimum floor area for single detached homes in R2 and R3 districts from 89 square metres to 58.

R2 areas are zoned for low-density housing such as single detached and two-unit dwellings, while R3 areas allow medium-density development, including multiple-unit dwellings and dwelling groups.

The calculation would exclude basements, attached garages, porches, balconies and second floors to ensure a smaller building footprint.

The amendment would also allow larger garages for multi-unit buildings with five or more units, as long as they do not occupy more than 10.4 per cent of the lot.

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Height limits for certain roof styles would be relaxed, with the city’s development officer able to approve up to a 20 per cent variance in wall height in some cases.

Under the proposal, the development officer would also be given authority to approve small variances to site coverage, wall height and minimum floor area without referring the matter to council, provided provincial planning procedures are followed.

Some currently prohibited home-based businesses could operate in residential districts if they submit a compliance plan, obtain a time-limited development permit and pass periodic reviews.

City administration said the changes are intended to respond to rising construction costs, reduce barriers for new development and support small business growth, while following rules designed to limit impacts on surrounding neighbourhoods.

Should the first reading be approved Aug. 18, the city will advertise the changes and complete the required public notice process before a final vote.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com