Lori Chadwich, Director, Development Services, presented on the amendments respecting housing regulations and explained that in October 2023, Council directed Administration to initiate the zoning by-law amendment process to accommodate changes to the Planning Act. She provided an overview of the proposed zoning by-law amendments for housing initiatives to support residential intensification, and affordable housing initiatives as legislative by the Province of Ontario under Bill 23. She noted that intensification can happen by reducing lot width, reducing minimum floor area for tiny homes, creating new housing options within established neighbourhoods and by allowing for more than one dwelling unit per property.
Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services, stated that Administration is proposing new definitions to recognize additional dwelling units. She explained that all dwelling units must be located on one lot, be separated vertically or horizontally if within the main dwelling, be permitted in settlement areas only on residential lots and must include one parking space per dwelling unit. She explained that since new definitions have been created, previous dwelling unit definitions need to be replaced.
Ms. Jabbour explained the general proposed by-law amendments for residential intensification which included:
1. Adding semi-detached dwellings as permitted main uses within the Residential District 1.1 and two-and three-unit dwellings;
2. Adding townhome dwellings up to three units as permitted main uses within the Residential District 2.1 and two-and three-unit dwellings;
3. Adding two- and three-unit dwellings as permitted main uses within the Residential District R2.1; and
4. Amending lot width regulations for single unit dwellings to 12m, semi-detached dwellings to 15m and townhome dwellings to 21m.
She advised of a proposed site-specific amendment to Essex Non-Profit Homes to permit allowances for a maximum of two on-site parking spaces for lands owned by Essex Non-Profit Homes, specifically, 107, 126, and 143 Michael Drive. She also advised that there was a proposed site-specific amendment to Klie’s Beach to allow year-round occupancy on vacant land however, Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) objected to year-round occupancy for existing dwellings at Klie’s Beach due to flood/erosion hazard.
She stated that the next step is for Administration to bring forth a proposed by-law at the Regular Council Meeting on June 3, 2024, for Council's consideration.
Council directed questions to Administration for clarification relating to the proposed amendments and dwelling units that are permissible.