Saturna trustees defer decision on Payne Road rezoning

Trustee Lee Middleton asked for more time to review two recent letters before the committee considers third reading of proposed bylaws affecting 100/101 Payne Road.

The Denman Firestarter · Governance · 2026-09-28 · Saturna Island

The Saturna Island Local Trust Committee deferred a decision on proposed bylaws that would allow an additional dwelling density at 100/101 Payne Road, after Trustee Lee Middleton said he had not been able to read two recent submission letters because his Islands Trust email was not working.^[1]

The proposed bylaws would amend the Land Use Bylaw and Official Community Plan, transferring one density from 201 Harris Road through a private agreement; the Harris Road property would also contribute three densities to the Community Amenity Density Reserve.^[1]

Island Planner Brad Smith said the recent information from the community information meeting and public hearing would not change staff’s recommendation to give the bylaws third reading and forward them for further approvals.^[1] Middleton requested deferral, and Smith later said trustees could defer their decision and proceed without reopening the public hearing.^[1]

The minutes record that Middleton said a higher level of neighbour comfort would benefit the applicant and that adjustments to the bylaw might be possible.^[1] The committee’s minutes do not record a decision on third reading at the meeting.^[1]

During the community information meeting, Smith said the Trust had no record of the square footage of the buildings and described the existing permission as one dwelling unit and one accessory cottage; if rezoned, the property would have rights to two dwelling units and no cottage rights.^[1]

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