I support the regulations to…

I support the regulations to make it easier to add ARU's in urban areas. I am an architect who has done laneway suites and basement suites in Toronto. I have a couple of concerns about the changes:
- eliminating angular planes without reference to height restrictions doesn't make sense, as the angular planes are usually starting at a given height. The municipalities could eliminate the angular plane but then keep the maximum height lower so that the effect would be to lessen the amount of buildable area. Usually the intention of an angular plane is to allow an increased height with less impact on the street or neighbours.
- reducing the separation distance to 4m seems too close to me, for a few reasons. 4m would not allow much in the way of unprotected openings due to fire exposure. It is also very close for privacy reasons. Additionally, it is not much space for soft landscaping and storm water management. I think the 5m min. distance in Toronto is close enough.