January 30, 2026
Zoning Bylaw review open for public feedback
With a new Official Community Plan (OCP) in place, the City of Nelson is reviewing its zoning bylaws to ensure they align with the OCP and recent changes to provincial planning and development regulations. This review is also an opportunity to update and simplify the language so the bylaws are easier to read, understand, and apply.
Community engagement began in October 2025 with a Council workshop and the launch of the Let’s Talk Nelson engagement site. Through the end of 2025, the City hosted presentations and workshops with industry partners and the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, and responded to public questions through the Let’s Talk site. Feedback from this engagement has been summarized in the Zoning Bylaw: What We Heard report, now available on the Let’s Talk portal.
Nearly 700 people visited the Let’s Talk site, with 24 participants contributing to discussion forums. Overall, feedback showed general support for the proposed amendments. Over 30 people were informed of the review during front-counter inquiries and pre-application reviews, nearly 20 local development representatives participated in workshops, and 15 members of the Chamber of Commerce attended the presentation.
Key highlights include:
· Updating most zone names to better align with OCP language
· Changing how building height is measured
· Clarifying landscaping requirements for new development
· Requiring space for refuse and recycling in all new residential development
· Requiring public engagement and a rezoning process for all large-format retail
Residents are invited to review the draft Zoning Bylaw at letstalk.nelson.ca/zoning and share their input. Comments will be accepted until Friday, February 13 at 4 pm. The draft Zoning Bylaw will be presented to Council for the first and second reading at the Regular Council meeting on Tuesday, March 3.
Related:
Sept 10, 2025: Nelson City Council adopts OCP