Open letter to Richmondites,
Richmond city council made the decision on the size of farmland houses last night after a four-hour meeting. Councillors voted 7-2 to support 10,764-square-foot houses on lots over a half acre and they supported bylaw 9706 that would allow owners to apply for even larger houses, if they meet some vague, flexible criteria, such as:
- The need to accommodate a variety of a cultural and inter-generational family needs;
- Verification that the applicant has farmed in Richmond or elsewhere, for a significant period of time, or if they are a new farmer, they can demonstrate that they are, or will be, capable of farming.
(There’s no info on what “significant” means)
Coun. Harold Steves and I voted “no” to stop this new building bylaw. We voted to refer the issue back to staff and we voted to stop even larger houses.
Coun. Steves and I are concerned that ignoring city staff recommendations and doubling the size of houses that staff suggested in their report sets a dangerous precedent that not only affects Richmond but other communities.
We heard loud and clear that the landowners, many of whom do not live on the land, want the ability to build homes 10,764-square-foot or larger with a rezoning application. Many of the speakers admitted that they did not know many actual, active farmers who live in houses over 10,000-square-feet. So, it appears, the primary reason for wanting the new bylaw is to maintain their property values. I hope you will consider coming to the public hearing, May 15, 7 p.m. at Richmond City Hall.
Coun. Carol Day
Richmond
