Parking Requirements: Many…

Parking Requirements:
Many municipalities impose burdensome parking requirements, often mandating 1 to 1.5 parking spaces per ARU. For a property with three units, this could result in a minimum of 500 square feet dedicated solely to parking—an area sufficient to house a single occupant comfortably. Removing parking minimums would encourage the development of more ARUs while reducing car dependency. Some municipalities argue that this could lead to more street parking, but this can be effectively managed through parking permits. Furthermore, such a shift could create opportunities for municipalities to generate revenue by financializing street parking. Additionally, ambiguous language like "no tandem parking" should be eliminated, as it allows municipalities to exploit loopholes, further stifling ARU approvals.

Development Charges (DCs):
Development Charges are one of the biggest obstacles for small-scale or "citizen" developers. In many areas, DCs for a single ARU can range from $20,000 to $30,000, payable before any site work can begin. This requirement forces citizen developers to front the entire cost of DCs, along with permitting and design fees, before they can access construction financing, which only becomes available after project approval. Waiving or reducing DCs in established neighborhoods would incentivize more citizen-led development and accelerate ARU growth.

Setbacks:
Minimum side yard setbacks should align with current suburban development standards: 600mm to the property line or 1.2m from adjacent buildings. This would also match Ontario Building Code requirements for the minimum separation between structures before more expensive non-combustible materials are needed. For laneway or street-fronting ARUs in urban areas, zero setbacks should be permitted to maximize the use of space and encourage urban densification.

Low-Impact Business Uses:
Municipalities should permit low-impact business uses in the primary residence or ARUs, particularly those fronting a laneway or street. This would promote vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods and support local economies. The increased property and business tax revenues would benefit municipalities and governments, especially at a time when productivity is in decline. Additionally, municipalities should support the development of small local businesses, such as convenience stores and cafés, which can serve the community while encouraging foot traffic.

Financing Options:
Accessible financing solutions for citizen developers are crucial. Currently, only households with substantial credit or cash reserves are able to build ARUs, leaving the market dominated by developers primarily driven by profit maximization. Families who want to build ARUs to support aging relatives or provide housing for their children face significant financial barriers. Government-backed mortgage options or construction lines of credit tailored to ARUs would expand access to financing, allowing more families to participate in ARU development.

Provincial Zoning: To further promote ARUs, Ontario could benefit from streamlined and standardized zoning regulations across municipalities. This would reduce the complexity and delays faced by citizen developers navigating local approval processes. Additionally, offering educational resources or advisory services for homeowners interested in building ARUs would help demystify the process and lower the perceived barriers to entry. The current system of zoning creates bespoke development in every municipality, eroding the confidence and capabilities of designers, builders and homeowners.