City council gives initial approval to zoning bylaw amendment allowing house suites in duplexes

It also only allows for one unit in a duplex to have a house suite, regardless of whether the duplex is on one parcel of land or two. This cannot be varied.

In addition, administration explained that the 15 per cent density cap of house suites and backyard suites is determined based on the number of single-detached homes in a neighbourhood.

Administration said in the report that because the overall density cap does not change, the proposed amendments only expand the types of housing forms that can contain a house suite, not the total number of suites allowed. If a neighbourhood has already reached its density cap, no additional house suites would be approved, regardless of whether they are in a single-detached home or duplex.

Administration explained they’ll bring back more information on numbers for debate at the second and third readings that expands on what that means for different neighbourhoods.

City administration explained other municipalities in the province allow suites in duplexes, including Sylvan Lake, Innisfail, Red Deer County, Leduc, Edmonton, Calgary, and Airdrie.

As a result of the first reading being passed, a public hearing has been set for Tuesday, June 9.

Councillor Chad Krahn said he brought forward the notice of motion to make things simpler.

Currently, to apply for a house suite in a duplex in a direct control zone, you must submit a development permit, which that process, according to administration, takes approximately two to five months.

“I’m trying to eliminate two to five months process for people that want to add value to their property, want to follow the rules, and do things correctly,” he said. “This has been bugging me since we put it in place last term. This is really unnecessary red tape.”

Councillor Kraymer Barnstable said he hopes to get a better understanding of how the community feels about it at the public hearing.

by Ian Gustafson

City council gives initial approval to zoning bylaw amendment allowing house suites in duplexes

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