Red Deer developers are asking the city to allow for more housing diversity in the Laredo neighbourhood.
Three developers own 26 empty lots on Livingston Close. They are asking the city to rezone them to residential small lots from the current residential narrow lots.
Council heard the change is being requested because of more customer demand for houses with attached, front-facing garages — which are mandatory for the small lots. Narrow lots are designed for rear garages.
“The developers have had to adjust their plans as the market has changed,” said city senior planner Kimberly Fils-Aime.
If the rezoning is approved, Livingston Close would have both types of housing on it, since some narrow lot homes have already been constructed.
City planners favour the rezoning, rationalizing that both types of lots are compatible as more affordable alternatives to traditional single-detached dwelling districts.
Planners also state that the mix of front and rear garages can create a street with more visual interest, compared to a “homogeneous streetscape.”
City councillors gave the proposed rezoning first reading this week. A public hearing will be held in four weeks.