BACKYARD SUITES
BACKYARD SUITE REVIEW
The City is reviewing its Backyard Suite regulations at the request of City Council. Recently, two applications on lots with small main houses in Parkvale were supported by the Planning Department. One suite was 1500 ft2 which was 383% over the allowable floor area and was one storey taller than the maximum. The other was 1200 ft2 which was 100% over the allowed floor area. The applications were sent to the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC). The hearings were contentious, and MPC requested a regulatory review report.
The City of Red Deer has scheduled a conversation meeting with the neighbourhoods of Parkvale, Woodlea & Waskasoo on June 11th at Festival Hall @ 5:00PM. We encourage all residents to participate in this process as it guides future development in our community.
Also, recently an information flyer about that meeting and survey will be distributed to residents in Parkvale by a group of concerned residents. A summary of that survey will be sent to the City. We ask that if you have not yet completed and returned it that you can still do that.
Council has asked Administration to focus on:
1. Reducing maximum height of Backyard Suites
2. Amending floor area maximum regulation
3. Developing special regulations for Backyard Suites for Woodlea, Waskasoo, and Parkvale
4. Defining ‘Storey’ and preventing liveable attic space in Backyard Suites.
HAF2 FUNDING – 4 UNITS – AS- OF – RIGHT
We want to make sure you are informed and have opportunity to take part in these important changes to Red Deer’s neighbourhoods.
The City of Red Deer is engaging residents on how to densify the city. Currently, they are asking for opinions on allowing fourplexes on every residential lot as well as on modifications to backyard suite regulations.
FOURPLEXES PERMITTED ON ALL RESIDENTIAL LOTS
Red Deer has received a $12M Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF2) grant from the Federal Government to spur housing development. A requirement to receive the money is that the City MUST permit up to four housing units on ALL residential lots. This could include a house with backyard or house suites, a duplex with each unit having a suite, a fourplex etc. “Permit” means that development applications for up to 4 units on a lot MUST be approved. Neighbours will not be consulted or have the right to appeal.
To promote development, the City is also looking at reducing or eliminating off-street parking requirements, increasing height and floor area limits, reducing side, front, and rear yard minimums, and providing developers with grants and loans.
This does not mean that every lot will be developed with fourplexes. Landowner desire and economic feasibility will be factors in future developments. City Administration estimates 67 units will be created over three years.
The City has received the HAF2 grant but will not receive full funding until after fourplexes are permitted by a City Council vote. That will happen after a Public Hearing which will likely be in the Fall following the municipal election.
If fourplexes are permitted, then the City will begin implementing the other density initiatives that were included in its HAF2 grant proposal.
What should densification look like in Red Deer?
City of Red Deer Open House
June 17 & 19, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Heartland Room, Westerner Park
What can you do?
- Attend one of the city-wide open houses: June 17 & 19, from 5:00 – 7:00 at Westerner Park
- Reach out to City Councillors (contact information is on reddeer.ca)
- Discuss these topics with candidates who are running for Council in the fall
- Take part in surveys on both these topics on engage.reddeer.ca under “Growing Red Deer, Together.”
For more information visit the City website at: https://www.reddeer.ca/business/planning/housing-accelerator-fund-haf-projects/
Follow the Parkvale Facebook page for more information and updates: https://www.facebook.com/parkvaleReddeer?__tn__=%3C
Follow the Parkvale Facebook page for more information and updates.