City council postponed consideration of regulations for backyard suites until administration provides an update that may identify potential changes.
Administration's report, expected to come before council on April 22, will provide an implementation update on the new zoning bylaw that may identify other potential changes to come before the end of the third quarter with bylaw amendments.
On Monday, council considered a recommendation from the Municipal Planning Commission asking councillors to review backyard suite regulations around height restrictions, lot size, site coverage, developed floor areas and historic neighbourhoods.
Since December, the commission has rejected two backyard suite proposals relating to such issues.
Coun. Vesna Higham said the current bylaw has led to concerns about the size of proposed backyard suites.
"In Parkvale, when you've got 650 square feet of principle residence, and you've got an application for a 1,600, three-storey backyard suite, that's a problem for those neighbours," said Higham when variances are requested.
In addition to council's upcoming discussion about backyard suite regulations, a public engagement process will start in a couple of months regarding the $12 million awarded to the city from the Housing Accelerator Fund from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
A key condition of the funding is the adoption of four-units-as-of-right zoning, which would allow up to four residential units on eligible properties without requiring public consultation or rezoning approvals. The public engagement will give residents and businesses the opportunity to learn about the grant’s impact and share their perspectives.
"I just ask that our community be mindful of the many factors that are going to be part of this conversation, and NIMBY (not in my back yard) has a huge power," said Coun. Bruce Buruma.
"Housing is important for our community. There's a real shortage in regards to the kind of housing that we have gaps in."
