Backyard suite applications are on the rise and not all neighbours have been happy.
Since City of Red Deer planners completed the first phase of a major overhaul of zoning bylaws last June that provided more flexibility in housing options a number of residents have jumped at the opportunity to apply for backyard suites.
Of the 10 applications received so far, six were approved without any variances required. Two others requiring significant relaxations were turned down by the municipal planning commission (MPC).
The subdivision and development appeal board (SDAB) reversed MPC's decision in one case and a decision on another appeal is pending. One application was withdrawn.
Backyard suites have already proven contentious in some cases. Neighbourhood opposition has been fanned by the size of variances requested.
In one case, the applicant wanted a backyard suite nearly five times the size allowed under the bylaw. In another, the requested suite was double the allowable size.
The situation and the possibility of future neighbourhood strife prompted MPC to ask council to review existing backyard suite regulations dealing with restrictions around height, lot size and coverage, developed floor areas and how applications in historic neighbourhoods should be handled.
After hearing from the planning department on Tuesday, city council directed staff to take a closer look at a number of backyard suite regulations, including reducing a 10-metre maximum height restriction.
Council also wants planners to look at the math dictating what percentage of a lot can be covered by a house and a backyard suite, and how big the suite can be in relation to the main house size. Further clarification is also sought on what is considered a storey and now to restrict attics from being converted to livable space.
Planners have also been asked to consider whether special backyard suite regulations should be in place for the historic neighbourhoods of Parkvale, Waskasoo and Woodlea.
Proposed zoning amendments are to come back to council by the end of September.
The first of three phases of the zoning bylaw project included a full rewrite of the residential, commercial and industrial zoning rules. The bylaw was also changed to make it easier to understand and use.
Senior planner Kimberly Fils-Aime told council that feedback from developers is that the changes have generally made it easier to get necessary permits for house suites, accessory buildings and home occupation businesses. More flexible regulations means the number of requests for variances have fallen.
Red tape has also been cut. For instance, permits are no longer required for covered decks.
