Charlottetown looks to amend zoning bylaw over 'flag lots'

Charlottetown isseeking public input on amending the city's zoning and development bylaw to addressproperties known as "flag lots" theconstruction of whichhas raised someconcernin recent years, the city says.

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Flag lots are typically large lots that have been subdivided for the purpose of having another home and driveway constructed in thebackyard. The new property lines, when viewed at from above, resemblea flag.

Coun. Greg Rivard, chair of Charlottetown's planning and heritage committee, said property owners with large lots can currently subdivide their land without council approval.

"This is something that has been brought to our attention,and a few residents are concerned, of course, with where these could be going," he said. "As of now, the way the bylaw is written, they're as of right."

Public input being sought

A property owner in Charlottetown cancurrently subdivide thelandand "pretty much set up another home in behind existing properties in the neighbourhood," he said.

According to Rivard, the construction of flag-lot homescan result in privacy concernsfor neighbouring properties.

The city would like to amend the bylaw to "have a little more control of this type of lot" by having future property subdivisions for the purpose of creating aflag lot require the city's permission, he said.

Both city staff and council are currently seeking public inputon the flag lots.

A decision on the bylaw will be made by council at a later date.

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