The Town of Cochrane has received an application to amend a Land Use Bylaw to allow zero lot line on single family detached dwellings. The application is for specific blocks in new areas of Cochrane. Those areas include Riversong (Precedence), Fireside, Sunset Ridge and Heartland. 

Jill Hofer, Senior Planner with the Town of Cochrane says, "What the bylaw is proposing is to allow for a home to be constructed directly on that property line with only 1.5 metres between or five feet. The setback is essentially going from eight feet to five feet." 

Hofer adds, "Currently, our land use bylaw requires that a single detached home has a 1.2 metre setback on either side of it. When you look at you and your neighbour along the street you will have 1.2 metres to the property line and they will also have 1.2 metres." As it stands, a dwelling sits evenly in the centre of a lot. The amendment would look at shifting the dwelling off centre to onto the property line. 

If approved, blocks containing zero lot line single-detached dwellings will require a comprehensive development permit and will also be required to comply with the Alberta Building Code.

Town Council heard the proposal this week and have set a public hearing for November 9. Residents will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed application.

For more information and to view diagrams, click here.