Item - 2021.PH25.15

The Planning and Housing Committee:

1. Requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning use the draft Garden Suite regulations presented within this report as the basis for further community and stakeholder consultation and technical review.

2. Requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning bring forward a final report 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.

The Garden Suites study is part of the Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) work program. A “Garden Suite” is an accessory dwelling unit, usually located in the rear yard, but not on a public lane, and is separate or detached from the main house. Garden Suites are generally smaller than the main house on the lot and are intended to function as rental housing as well as accommodation for a variety of types of household.

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.