The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on January 28, 2025 which provides an overview of Council decisions. You can also view all related documents for the decisions below, video and the full agenda from the meeting by clicking the link below.
A planning application is a formal request to amend the Envision St. John's Municipal Plan and/or City’s Envision St. John’s Development Regulations. This would include applications to rezone or change the text in the Municipal Plan or Development Regulations. An amendment can be initiated by city staff, City Council, or a property owner.
Active applications can be viewed on the Planning St. John's webpage, which allows the public to learn more about planning applications, track progress, give feedback and ask questions and view upcoming public meetings all in one place.
The following planning applications were reviewed at the meeting:
Rezoning: 424 Kenmount Road |
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Rezoning: 46 Hazelwood Crescent |
Council considered an application to rezone from the Residential 1 (R1) Zone to the Apartment 1 (A1) Zone to enable a Cluster Development with two apartment buildings at 46 Hazelwood Crescent. The development would include a new three-storey apartment building with 21 affordable housing units, alongside an existing apartment building with seven units. The rezoning is necessary as Cluster Developments are not permitted in the R1 Zone, and the existing building is a nonconforming use.
The property is located at the corner of Topsail Road and Hazelwood Crescent, close to Metrobus routes and amenities, aligning with the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan, which encourages higher density and affordable housing. The proposed development supports the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy and adds housing options for the area.
A Land Use Report (LUR) is required, and public consultation will occur after the applicant submits a satisfactory report. A public meeting, chaired by an independent facilitator, will be held, and the applicant must consult neighbouring residents.
Decision: 8 approved (Councillor Noseworthy was not in favour) |
New Dwelling in a Heritage Area: 21A Angel Place |
Council were asked to approve the design for a new dwelling at 21A Angel Place, located in Heritage Area 3. The property is in the Residential 3 (R3) Zone and aligns with the City’s Heritage Design Standards for the area. The proposed design meets these standards, and window sizes will be confirmed during the building permit stage to comply with safety regulations.
While a Heritage Report is typically required for new developments in Heritage Areas, staff recommended that the Council accept a staff report instead, given that the design adheres to the guidelines and is a permitted use. Minor design changes may occur during development review but would not necessitate a full Heritage Report.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Development applications are formal requests submitted to the City of St. John's by individuals, businesses, or developers seeking approval for projects that involve land use, building construction, or changes to property. These applications require council approvals and ensure that proposed developments comply with the City’s Envision St. John’s Development Regulations.
The following development applications were reviewed at the meeting:
Discretionary Use: 60 O'Leary Avenue |
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Discretionary Use: Incinerator Road |
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Variance on Backyard Suite Area: 125 Penney Crescent |
An application has been submitted for a 0.5% variance to allow a 60.2m² Backyard Suite at 125 Penney Crescent under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). The proposed suite is a permitted use, and the variance is within the 10% allowance under Section 7.4 of the St. John’s Development Regulations. Notices were sent to adjacent properties, and one opposition was received, citing concerns about reduced privacy, increased density, traffic, noise, and diminished enjoyment of the low-density neighbourhood.
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Lot Area Variance: 50 Shoal Bay Road |
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Change to Non-Conforming Building: 117 Newtown Road |
Decision: Approved unanimously |
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City Council officially approved the capital budget for 2025, totaling $26,860,056, which was discussed at the January 21 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Details on the capital budget were shared last week following the meeting.
Council approved the Canada Games 2025 Employee Volunteer Policy, which supports volunteer recruitment for the 2025 Canada Games (August 8-25). Employees must commit to at least 32 hours of volunteer time to be considered official volunteers. Those volunteering a minimum of 16 hours per week during regular work hours will receive special leave with pay for up to 8 hours per week. This policy aims to assist with the recruitment of approximately 5,000 volunteers for the Games.
Council was provided with a list of Development Permits and Building Permits issued since the last council meeting for their information.
Council approved the weekly payment vouchers for the period of January 15 and January 22, 2025.
The below proclamation took place at the meeting. All proclamations are also shared on our website.
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