Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review
In January 2020 Municipal Council approved a new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. These documents regulate land use and development activity for areas outside the Village of Chester. The Village is regulated by a Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. Staff are now undertaking a review of the Village of Chester planning documents.
The format and structure of the Village of Chester Plan will match the Municipal Plan, however, the policies and regulations created within the Village documents will be tailored to address the unique opportunities, issues and challenges within the Village.
In January 2020 Municipal Council approved a new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. These documents regulate land use and development activity for areas outside the Village of Chester. The Village is regulated by a Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. Staff are now undertaking a review of the Village of Chester planning documents.
The format and structure of the Village of Chester Plan will match the Municipal Plan, however, the policies and regulations created within the Village documents will be tailored to address the unique opportunities, issues and challenges within the Village.
-
Welcome to the Priority Topics Survey!
The purpose of this short survey is to gather opinions on some important issues facing Chester Village. Several topics have a long history of debate, while others may be new to you. Please take time to think about these issues and provide your thoughts and opinions. Responses will be used to inform policy decisions for the revised Planning Strategy for the Village of Chester.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link -
CLOSED: This survey has concluded.
This brief survey seeks input on the current level of protection offered to Registered Heritage Properties in Chester Village. Do you think more protection and regulation are needed to ensure valuable heritage properties are not altered or destroyed? Do you feel that heritage protection initiatives interfere with creating a modern and affordable place to live? All thoughts are welcome!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link -
CLOSED: This survey has concluded.
This survey is seeking opinions and comments on several forms of digital signage. This type of signage is currently prohibited in Chester Village.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link -
CLOSED: This survey has concluded.
- This survey is seeking feedback on the level of architectural control that is appropriate within Chester Village. Architectural control regulations can take many forms but typically regulate the exterior appearance of a structure and do not limit the interior design. Currently there are two areas within Chester Village where development must conform with the listed architectural controls. This survey asks questions about the level of current regulation, the areas that have architectural controls and the balance in regulating the appearance of structures when contrasted with a desire to support the creation of more affordable housing.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
Who's listening
-
GS
Phone 902-275-2599 Email gsturtevant@chester.ca
Signup Banner
Key Dates
Timeline
-
Winter 2019/Spring 2020 - Background & Project Scoping
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- Scoping of Project
- Approval of Engagement & Communications Plan
- Establish Committee to oversee Review
- Review Background Reports with new Committee
- Establish List of Priority Topics
-
Summer/Fall 2020 - Public Engagement #1
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- Pop-up Kiosk at various locations and events
- Public Information Meeting(s) (as permitted by Public Health)
- Resident Surveys (online)
- Video Presentations posted on various planning topics
- Prepare Engagement Report on result of Public Engagement #1
-
Summer 2021 - Resident Survey
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- preparation of survey questions to support the Village Plan Review
- distribution of 753 surveys via regular mail to all property owners within the Village of Chester
- Collection and preliminary analysis done on 236 returned surveys (31% response rate!)
- Presentation to Council on preliminary survey results
- Findings from survey reviewed and used to prioritize aspects of the Village Review
-
Spring/Summer 2022 - Village Character and Highway 3 Engagement
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- Prepared RFP and reviewed submissions, awarded contract to FBM Architects to conduct "Built Form and Character Defining Elements study" within the Village of Chester
- Provided support to FBM as the study was carried out
- Public Engagement Session held May 18th at Chester Legion regarding "Built Form and Character Analysis study"
- Preparation of materials and concepts for Highway 3 Workshop
- Public Engagement Session held August 18th at Chester Legion: Future of Highway 3 Workshop
-
Winter 2022 - Drafting
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- Drafting of Secondary Planning Strategy
- Drafting of Chester Village Land Use By-law
- Internal staff and legal review of draft
-
Summer 2023 - Draft Documents Released for Public Comments
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review has finished this stage- 1st Draft of the new Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law presented at Council meeting (July 6, 2023)
- Draft copies of SPS and LUB available to the public for comment (July 6, 2023)
- Review of 1st Draft with Village Planning Advisory Committee (July 11, 2023)
- Public Meeting(s) to discuss draft documents and receive feedback (July 22 at 10:30am, July 26 at 2:30pm and August 3 at 6:30pm - All sessions held at St. Stephen Community Centre 54 Regent St, Chester)
- Collect verbal and written comments on the draft documents
- Prepare Engagement Report on result of Public Engagement and discussions with VPAC
- Present engagement report to Council and if required make changes to the draft SPS and LUB (August/September 2023)
-
Winter 2023 - Draft #2 Documents Produced and Released
Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review is currently at this stage- Staff met with Council in October 2023 to discuss feedback on Draft #1
- Council directed staff to make changes, resulting in Draft #2
- Draft #2 presented to Council February 29, 2024
- Draft #2 released to public
- Final Public Engagement on Draft #2
-
Spring 2024 - Approval of New Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law
this is an upcoming stage for Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Review- Council gives 1st Reading to the draft documents
- Public Hearing held
- Council gives 2nd Reading to the draft documents
- Provincial/Ministerial review of documents
- Advertisment placed in Progress Bulletin to make documents effective
Videos and Recorded Presentations
- This video presentation has been prepared by Municipal staff to provide information on Secondary Suites. This idea is a cornerstone for affordable housing options in North America. We want your thoughts and ideas on Secondary Suites, please make sure to leave a comment or suggestion!
- This video provides information on minimum on-site parking requirements in Chester Village. The video also discusses the concept of removing minimum parking regulations for the Central Commercial Zone. Please let us know your thoughts on eliminating on-site parking requirements in the Central Commercial Zone, leave a comment or ask us a question!
Contact Us!
If you have questions, comments or suggestions regarding the Village of Chester Plan Review, please contact us and let us know!
Phone: 902-275-2599
Email: planning@chester.ca
In Person: 186 Central Street, Chester, NS