Six-storey apartment complex green lit on Martin Street in Penticton

Photo: Contributed

Rendering of Martin Street development.

Council has approved a development permit for a planned six-storey, mixed residential-business use building downtown.

The plan is for 30 apartment units, a 17-space parkade for cars plus two for motorcycles and 17 for bikes, at 686 Martin St., which is currently vacant.

The living units will include 20 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments, and the first floor will be a 1,180 square-foot commercial space.

City staff explained in their report to council that the proposal fits with OCP guidelines.

Coun. Helena Konanz wanted to clarify that the ratio of parking spaces to units is allowable under B.C. legislation pushing for municipalities to increase density and break down barriers to development.

"These are the provincial rules that have been put on all our municipalities and so it's important for our citizens to know that," Konanz said.

The development permit passed unanimously.