Under proposed changes to the city’s official plan, which delegations spoke to this week, this type of secondary residence would no longer require a pricey $5,000 zoning amendment to be allowed in urban areas.
A simple permit would do, providing safety and building standards are followed.
Other criteria aimed at making sure the units fit in with the neighbourhood must be met as well. The permit fees have yet to be set.
So far, as the new Official Plan heads to a May vote at city council, there has been no outcry against the move, according to Elaine Brunn Shaw, Cambridge director of policy planning.
“A lot of people are starting to say it makes a lot of sense,” Brunn Shaw said. “We need to use our land wisely in the city. We need to make sure servicing is used wisely in the city. And we do need to accommodate growth in the future. And this is one way to do it.”
Cambridge’s population of 130,000 is expected to grow to 180,000 by 2031.
Basement apartments are not just for seniors or in-laws. They can be for anyone who wishes to rent.
Last May, the province passed Bill 140, the Strong Communities through Affordable Housing Act. It requires municipalities to establish policies allowing for secondary units.
Kitchener already allows for “duplexing” in most areas of the city.
Waterloo, which is also in the midst of an official plan review, is not considering allowing secondary units regardless of zoning.
Safety is one compelling reason to allow basement apartments without forcing property owners to cut through zoning amendment red-tape.
“That’s why we’re trying to facilitate this as opposed to creating a lot of obstacles,” Brunn Shaw said. “If that was the case, people would tend to do it illegally and it’s hard to monitor and make sure safety matters are being addressed.”
Last year, 22 complaints relating to basement apartments were filed with the city. In 2010, there were 21.
Requirements for a basement apartment include adequate parking. However, an existing driveway can be used with no requirement for separate access to the street.
Changes to the city’s official plan, last updated in 1999, must also be approved by Waterloo Region. That process could take six months or longer, said Brunn Shaw, since the region’s official plan is under appeal.
This article is from the Record, By Jeff Hicks, Record staff
A simple permit would do, providing safety and building standards are followed.
Other criteria aimed at making sure the units fit in with the neighbourhood must be met as well. The permit fees have yet to be set.
So far, as the new Official Plan heads to a May vote at city council, there has been no outcry against the move, according to Elaine Brunn Shaw, Cambridge director of policy planning.
“A lot of people are starting to say it makes a lot of sense,” Brunn Shaw said. “We need to use our land wisely in the city. We need to make sure servicing is used wisely in the city. And we do need to accommodate growth in the future. And this is one way to do it.”
Cambridge’s population of 130,000 is expected to grow to 180,000 by 2031.
Basement apartments are not just for seniors or in-laws. They can be for anyone who wishes to rent.
Last May, the province passed Bill 140, the Strong Communities through Affordable Housing Act. It requires municipalities to establish policies allowing for secondary units.
Kitchener already allows for “duplexing” in most areas of the city.
Waterloo, which is also in the midst of an official plan review, is not considering allowing secondary units regardless of zoning.
Safety is one compelling reason to allow basement apartments without forcing property owners to cut through zoning amendment red-tape.
“That’s why we’re trying to facilitate this as opposed to creating a lot of obstacles,” Brunn Shaw said. “If that was the case, people would tend to do it illegally and it’s hard to monitor and make sure safety matters are being addressed.”
Last year, 22 complaints relating to basement apartments were filed with the city. In 2010, there were 21.
Requirements for a basement apartment include adequate parking. However, an existing driveway can be used with no requirement for separate access to the street.
Changes to the city’s official plan, last updated in 1999, must also be approved by Waterloo Region. That process could take six months or longer, said Brunn Shaw, since the region’s official plan is under appeal.
This article is from the Record, By Jeff Hicks, Record staff
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