PLPROJ 2025-01195 | Dartmouth | Penhorn Special Planning Area

Updated:

Request

To amend the existing policy and development agreement to allow for additional density, height, and building form changes within the Penhorn Special Planning Area (SPA). 

Proposal

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The applicant wishes to amend the Regional Centre Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy and the existing development agreement for Penhorn SPA to allow the following:

  • An additional 483 units permitted throughout the site for a total of 1,388 units
  • Increased allowable building heights ranging from 7 to 26 storeys (from the existing 3 to 17 storeys)
  • Building form changes:
    • Changes to maximum building setbacks
    • Increased allowable building widths from 64 meters to 74 meters for Block D
  • Public benefit to be paid prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit rather than a development permit.

The Development Plans (provided below) outline the development proposal in detail. 

Process

In accordance with the Housing for the Halifax Regional Municipality Act and the Minister of Growth and Development for the Province of Nova Scotia, Penhorn has been designated as a Special Planning Area. In accordance with this new Provincial Act, planning decisions for the area inclusive of changes to policy, zones, or the application of Development Agreements to these lands will no longer be considered via the Public Hearing process and a Council decision. Instead, applications will be seen by the newly established Executive Panel on Housing in the Halifax Regional Municipality and decided upon by the Minister of Growth and Development. Once made, this decision will then be posted to this website.

Status

Currently, this application is at the team review stage of the process where the request is reviewed by internal and external staff including HRM Development Engineering, HRM Land Development & Subdivision, Halifax Water and NS Department of Public Works. 

Documents Submitted for Evaluation

The applicant has submitted plans and studies required by HRM staff to properly evaluate the application. The documents are also available for review at the Planning Applications office in Downtown Halifax.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

Melissa Eavis

Planner III

Planned Growth

Telephone: 902.497.0782

Mailing Address

HRM Planning and Development

PO Box: 1749,

Halifax,

Nova Scotia,

B3J 3A5

Attention: Melissa Eavis