Heritage property owners in Saint John may soon be allowed to renew heritage permits more than once.
On Monday, proposed amendments to the city’s Heritage Conservation Areas Bylaw passed the first and second readings.
If the third reading gets approved, it will allow heritage permits to be renewed beyond the currently established three-year maximum.
“This is something that’s going to keep us from having these barriers there, so people don’t have to go and re-apply for a heritage permit,” said Councillor Paula Radwan during the meeting.
Currently, heritage permits are issued for two years, with the potential for a one-year extension.
Discussions to change the bylaw began in March when developer Jim Bezanson told council he wanted to build two additions to his 19th-century heritage building located at 66 Sydney Street.
Bezanson brought up concerns related to the impact that current and future construction challenges will have on his timelines and that his permit will expire before the project can be completed.
“Staff acknowledged these concerns and are proposing this amendment to help support heritage property owners as they undertake ongoing maintenance and conservation projects on existing heritage structures, and to support the development of innovative infill projects within our Heritage Conservation Areas,” reads a staff report.
The staff report also acknowledges supply chain issues, which have made it difficult to secure specialized building materials promptly.
“Both manufacturing and shipping have been greatly affected by lockdown mandates which have halted production and have created challenges to meeting traditional construction timelines. This has affected the ability of property owners and tradespersons to secure the specialized building products, such as custom-made wood windows, necessary to undertake a variety of maintenance and conservation projects,” continued the report.
The report added that the amendment will help provide a streamlined and customer-friendly approach to heritage permit renewals, enhancing the customer experience.
The third reading of the amendment will go back to Common Council at a later date.
