Residential Zones, What’s Changing?
While the Zoning Bylaw is over 700 pages, the primary focus of feedback I heard about was residential zones - especially in mature neighborhoods. It's understandable that this has generated much discussion during the Zoning Bylaw Renewal process. Our homes and neighbourhoods are truly important to us.
I wanted to share with you a snapshot on what is changing. Specifically, properties that were zoned RF1(single family)/ RF3(small scale multi-unit) and will now be the new RS (small scale residential) zone with the approval of Bylaw 20001 and 21001 by Council (effective Jan 1, 2024).
Simplified - the number of residential zones across the city will reduce from 16 to 6 zones.
Upzoning - all zones are changing to their nearest equivalency zone. Meaning, if you are single-family zoning now, you would still be in that zone. Some lots will now have more ability to build, while others will have less (e.g, the previous residential RF3 zone allowed for up to 12 units on a lot, and is now rezoned as the new RS zone which caps the number of units on a lot at 8 - unless on a corner).
Lot Sizes & Dimensions - height and unit sizes are not the only thing that is taken into consideration with what is able to be built. The size of the lot, the type of housing you build, and more factor into what is allowed on any given residential site.
Flexibility in Form - the bylaw allows for the same ‘box’ (height, coverage, set-backs) with more flexibility in what can be inside that box.
New Mixed-Use Zones - these are new zones that will enable commercial and residential development in the same building or beside each other on larger lots. Very few areas are being zoned as a Mixed-use neighbourhood through this mass-rezoning. One of the few examples in Ward Anirniq would be in Calder along 129 Ave. Though, more areas may apply for this through the regular rezoning process over time.
Expanding Allowable Uses - The new Zoning Bylaw allows a lot more flexibility in home-based businesses. There are still several other factors that determine what is allowed including nuances, provincial regulations, and type of business while creating conditions for more home-based businesses and localized services.
