Kelowna city council has decided to forward the proposed Jenga tower to a public hearing scheduled for July 31.

The proposed tower for South Pandosy Village will require the approval of a rezoning proposal to increase the building's height to 15 storeys from the seven storey maximum currently allowed.

The proposed 34-unit building features a unique design that developers say was inspired by the game Jenga, with each floor plate projecting out and no two floors being of the exact same layout.

To make way for the development, two existing lots occupied by single detached homes will have to be demolished to prepare the land for re-development.

Details of the proposal include 52 parking stalls, however the development is working to influence residents to drive less with a series of green initiatives.

The project includes a co-op car sharing program for residents, several parking stalls specifically for electric car charging stations and plenty of space for bikes.

A C4 urban centre commercial zoning permit has also been applied for that would allow for a public plaza with retail shops, galleria and an outdoor café.

In a letter to council, New Town Services says the narrow tower would be less than half the width of the nearby one at Sopa Square, but would stand almost seven metres higher.

“The narrow structure will complement the policy intent for increased density and spatial separation between tall buildings and will help to ‘landmark’ the core area as the hub of the Pandosy Urban Centre,” the letter reads.

“The desire to build a slender, taller structure is preferred over the alternative of a bulky building of half the proposed height and more than twice its girth. A shorter, plumper building would further obscure the skyscape and limit the amount of sunlight penetration.”

The public hearing will take place on Tuesday, July 31 at 6 p.m.