Several years ago, Red Deer County began allowing garden suites as a way to offer a place for additional family members to live independently.
However, exactly what size of residence could be considered a garden suite is a little fuzzy.
On Tuesday, the county’s municipal planning commission was confronted with a request by a property owner to include a 1,651-square-foot garden suite as part of what would become a 4,371-square-foot accessory building about half a kilometre east of Red Deer off Highway 11.
Approving that would require a relaxation of more than 2,200 square feet from the 2,150 square feet allowed under the county’s regulations. A height relaxation of just over 2.1 metres above the seven metres allowed was also required.
Several nearby residents sent letters of concern that the building was too big and could set a precedent in the neighbourhood.
Coun. Jean Bota agreed. “I do feel we’ll set a precedent with our garden suites.”
Rather than turn down the application, the planning commission deferred a decision to work with the property owner on coming up with an acceptable design.