For your consideration…

   For your consideration.

  Proposed Regulation Change:

 A maximum of one parking space would be required for a second residential unit, where second residential units are permitted, which includes “tandem parking”, which would be defined as a parking space that is only accessed by passing through another parking space from a street, lane or driveway.

  Township Staff Comments:

 •Section 3.41.3 of Comprehensive Zoning By-law 5000 requires two (2) parking spaces per residential unit for all building types (i.e. single, townhouse, apartment).

  •Section 3.41.12 of Comprehensive Zoning By-law 5000 states that each parking space must be readily accessible at all times and arranged in such a manner to provide access and maneuvering space for the parking and removal of a motor vehicle without the necessity of moving any other motor vehicle.

  •Exceptions to permit tandem parking within specific subdivision developments have taken place through the Zoning By-law Amendment Process.

  •The Township of Springwater does not have any form of public transportation.

  Therefore, staff is of the opinion that any proposed changes to parking standards should be implemented at the local government level to recognize local conditions such as available public transit and accessibility to amenities.

  Proposed Regulation Change:

 A second residential unit, where permitted in the zoning by-law, may be occupied by any person in accordance with s. 35(2) of the Planning Act, and, for greater clarity, regardless of whether the primary unit is occupied by the owner of the property.

  Township Staff Comments:

 •The Planning Act does not allow municipalities to impose zoning restrictions/permissions based on relationship.

  •The proposed clarification of not requiring the primary dwelling to be ‘owner occupied’ is reflective of issues within many municipalities that have a high concentration of rental units like neighbourhoods in close proximity to post-secondary institutions.

  •Concerns related to absentee landlords exist as the general perception is that property owners living in one of the units have a vested interest and typically enforce or ‘police’ the property to ensure by-law compliance and/or meet neighbourhood maintenance expectations. However, legal methods of regulating where people live do not exist through a municipal zoning by-law regardless of whether it’s a tenant versus property owner situation.

  Based on legal rights and powers provided under the Planning Act, staff do not object to the proposed regulation as legal powers requiring property owners to reside in one dwelling unit versus another do not exist.

  Proposed Regulation Change:

 A second residential unit, when permitted within a zoning by-law, could be established without regard to the date of construction of the primary building.

  Township Staff Comments:

 •A commonly used argument against permitting second suites in established subdivisions is the desire to preserve and protect the character of living in a ‘single family dwelling’ neighbourhood.

  •The nature and character of neighbourhoods are not meant to be static.  Neighbourhoods should be flexible and able to accommodate social needs, local economic conditions and service demands. For example, ‘in-law’ suites in both new and established neighbourhoods have been constructed as part of a new build or renovation to existing residences to provide housing for aging residents or family members requiring accommodation and care.

  Staff do not object to the proposed regulation change, which is intended to ensure that all forms of housing are permitted to establish second suites. However, all applicable by-laws and standards need to be complied with to ensure the safety of residents and to avoid unanticipated complications resulting from inadequate services needed to support second suites.

[Original Comment ID: 209572]