Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods - Garden Suites - Proposals Report

The introduction of Garden Suite regulations responds to changes to the Ontario Planning Act and would provide a new housing option in Neighbourhoods that balances numerous Provincial and City policy objectives. The Province intends cities to accommodate an appropriate affordable and market-based range and mix of residential types. The City's policy objectives include creating complete communities, and providing a full range of housing in terms of form, tenure and affordability across the city, in a form that makes efficient use of land, while acknowledging the Official Plan's objective that physical change to Neighbourhoods will be sensitive, gradual, and fit the existing physical character. This report presents draft Garden Suite regulations informed by background research and public input received thus far. The Garden Suites study will continue to review and consult on the matters discussed in this report, including protecting space for existing and new trees and green spaces, privacy and shadowing, and parking, among others. Staff will continue to carry out the necessary technical review and to consult with future and current residents of low-rise neighborhoods, and other stakeholders, on the draft regulations to make further refinements and to address the above matters. A report with recommending Official Plan policies and Zoning By-law regulations to permit Garden Suites, as-of-right, across the city, will be presented to the Planning and Housing Committee in the fourth quarter of 2021.

detailing Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments to permit detached accessory dwelling units for residential properties not on a public lane (Garden Suites) to the Planning and Housing Committee Meeting in the fourth quarter of 2021.