GUELPH — The City of Guelph is considering a proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment to permit up to four residential units on low-density residential lots. The initiative, aimed at addressing housing supply challenges and promoting gentle intensification, will be reviewed at the City Council meeting on December 10, 2024.
Key Proposal Details
If approved, the amendment would allow up to four units on lots zoned RL.1 and RL.2, impacting approximately 32,000 parcels citywide. Property owners would have the following configuration options:
- A single primary dwelling with up to three accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
- A ground-oriented fourplex.
- Detached ADUs, permitting up to two units in a detached structure.
Provisions and Regulations
The proposal includes specific regulations to balance intensification with neighborhood compatibility:
- Parking: Minimum of one space per unit after the second unit, with a maximum of three spaces for four units.
- Height: Detached ADUs may be up to two storeys high, with a maximum height of 6.1 metres.
- Size: Detached ADUs capped at a maximum floor area of 80 square metres per unit.
- Lot Coverage: Existing lot coverage and landscaped open space requirements remain unchanged to preserve neighborhood standards.
Expected Impact
The amendments could unlock an additional 3,150 lots capable of supporting four units, increasing the total potential to 14,250 lots citywide. This initiative aligns with Guelph’s commitment to the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), aiming to deliver 739 new housing units by 2026.
Addressing Public Concerns
Feedback from public consultations highlighted concerns about privacy, parking, and neighborhood character. In response, the proposal incorporates measures such as:
- Increased setbacks for windows, balconies, and stairwells facing neighboring properties to enhance privacy.
- Maintaining current lot coverage requirements to preserve green spaces.
Suggestions to limit the number of bedrooms in ADUs were not adopted, as the focus remains on unit size per provincial guidelines.
Streamlined Development Process
The proposed by-law grants as-of-right permissions, allowing property owners to develop within the new framework without requiring additional public hearings, provided servicing and zoning requirements are met.
Policy Alignment
This proposal supports the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) 2024 and Guelph’s Official Plan by promoting:
- Efficient land use.
- Housing diversity.
- Sensitive intensification.
It aligns with the city’s broader strategy to address housing shortages while preserving neighborhood character.
Next Steps
The City Council’s decision on December 10, 2024, will determine whether this amendment becomes a critical element in Guelph’s efforts to enhance residential density and address housing availability challenges.
