GUELPH — On December 11, 2024, Guelph City Council approved a city-initiated Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment to permit up to four residential units on low-density residential lots. The initiative addresses the city’s housing supply challenges by encouraging gentle density while preserving neighbourhood character.
Key Amendments and Provisions
The amendments apply to approximately 32,000 parcels citywide within the RL.1 and RL.2 zones, redefining density calculations and updating zoning regulations. Property owners now have three configuration options:
- Primary Dwelling with Accessory Units: A single primary residence with up to three accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
- Fourplex: A ground-oriented fourplex.
- Detached ADUs: Up to two detached units within the same lot.
Additional Provisions:
- Parking: Minimum of one parking 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 are limited to a maximum floor area of 80 square metres per unit.
- Lot Coverage: Existing lot coverage and landscaped open space requirements remain unchanged to maintain neighbourhood consistency.
Housing Impact
The amendments are expected to:
- Unlock 3,150 additional lots, bringing the total to 14,250 capable of accommodating four units.
- Support Guelph’s commitments under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), which aims to deliver 739 new housing units by 2026.
- Enable the city to receive $21.4 million in federal funding contingent on meeting these housing targets.
Privacy and Design Adjustments
To address community concerns, the approved by-law includes increased setbacks for windows, balconies, and stairwells facing adjacent properties. Suggestions to limit the number of bedrooms in ADUs were not incorporated, as the amendments prioritize unit size limits in line with provincial guidelines.
As-of-Right Permissions
The approved by-law grants as-of-right permissions, allowing property owners to proceed with developments without additional public hearings, provided all servicing and zoning requirements are met.
Policy Alignment
These amendments align with the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) 2024 and Guelph’s Official Plan, supporting efficient land use, housing diversity, and sensitive intensification. By promoting gentle density, the initiative enhances housing availability while maintaining neighbourhood character.
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