City Administration is working on amendments to the Zoning Bylaw which would allow greater density development in all low density zones, from single family housing zones to row housing zones, and erode the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay which is designed to preserve the character of mature neighbourhoods.    Contact Bev.Zubot@efcl.org if you wish to receive a copy of the draft amendments.

The EFCL Planning Committee has provided City Planners with initial feedback on the draft amendments:

·         Development proposals for Semi-detached  and Duplex housing on RF1 (single family home) sites should require a consultation with neighbours and the League at the development permit stage.  The proposed city amendments allow semi-detached and duplex housing on RF1(single home)sites which are on corners, fronting an arterial or service road, or abutting an existing Duplex, Semi-detached Housing, Commercial, Row Housing, or Apartment Zone.   These are all sites recommended in the Residential Infill Guidelines.   

·         EFCL supports the addition of a minimum outdoor amenity space for RF1 (single detached) zones. However, the minimum outdoor amenity space for houses, semi-detached and row housing should be 50m², not 45m².  This is the minimum play space for toddlers recommended in family housing guidelines.    

·         Rear attached garages should not be allowed in mature neighbourhoods with alleys.   Buildings which extend the full length of a lot, block light from the adjacent neighbours with rear detached garages.  (Even the development industry opposes permitting rear attached garages in all instances.)

·         EFCL strongly opposes the changes to the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay which would reduce community consultation requirements.