Farmhouse size limit on hold

A proposal to limit the size of houses on Kelowna farmland has been put on hold by city council.

Council this week endorsed the idea of capping the so-called “residential footprint” at 2,000 square metres (21,528 square feet). That definition includes the house as well as features such as garages, swimming pools, tennis courts and landscaping.

But an even more specific proposal to not allow any new farmland houses larger than 500 square metres (5,382 square feet) has been put on hold for now.

The idea was strenuously opposed by some in the farming community, especially those with many people living under one roof.

“Engagement feedback on the proposed maximum house varied greatly, with some feeling the size was too restrictive and others feeling it was not restrictive enough,” reads part of a staff report that was considered Monday by city council.

“However, one big concern from farmers was the proposed maximum home size was too restrictive, especially for farmers who have multi-generational homes,” the report states.

The NDP government has initiated a review of Agricultural Land Reserve policies, city staff note.

“It is anticipated that there may be recommendations to address house size as part of this revitalization process,” the staff report to council says.

About 55 per cent of Kelowna’s land base has an agricultural zoning.

The proposed restriction on the residential footprint of new homes on farmland will be considered at a public hearing at City Hall on June 12.

Other proposed measures, aimed at protecting as much farmland as possible, include a ban on carriage houses on farmland, not extending sewer lines into farming areas in most cases, and increasing the minimum subdivision lot size for properties within the ALR to four hectares from two hectares.