TAMRMS#: B06
7.6
title
Time Extension Request - Front - Back Residential Combined Units & Other Planning Topics
Presented by: Adryan Slaght, Director, Planning and Development
label
RECOMMENDED MOTIONS
...recommendation
That a deadline extension for the following item be approved:
Time Extension Request - Front - Back Residential Combined Units & Other Planning Topics
be extended to Quarter 4 of 2022 and incorporated into the Land Use Bylaw review project.
...body
REASON FOR TIME EXTENSION REQUEST
Based upon the Council Committee discussion held in June 2020, the diversification of housing product within St. Albert included the following products:
• shallow/wide lots,
• suites in multi-family product,
• tiny homes,
• zero lot line,
• residential front back semi-detached units and
• back-to-back fee-simple townhomes.
On November 30, 2020, City Council approved Land Use Bylaw (LUB) regulations specifically enabling zero lot line product and residential front back semi-detached units. At that time, Administration was able to include the regulations to the residential front to back units. This timing was more expeditious than expected, which enabled UDI to bring on several new housing products for the 2021 building season. Incorporation and implementation of these new products has led to numerous subdivision applications, which included these new products.
In 2020, Administration initiated the review of the remaining products (shallow/wide lots, suites in multi-family product, tiny homes, and back-to-back fee-simple townhomes). This review included researching other jurisdictions, discussion with industry partners, and risk management mitigation. Continuing to the next step of developing regulations for these products by June 2021 was affected by two important issues, staffing capacity and the budget approval of the LUB review.
In December 2020, continuing through to Q1 2021, the Planning and Development department have received an unprecedented number of current planning and development applications (including 20 Council amendment applications). Combined with 3 Council strategic priority projects, the Municipal Development Plan, the Sturgeon County Annexation and the City of Edmonton Annexation, there was insufficient staffing capacity or funding to proceed with this request without impacting developer timing, customer service, or strategic priorities.
On December 21, 2020, City Council approved the 2021 Municipal and Utility Budget. Within the 2021 budget included funding for an update to the Land Use Bylaw, which will enable administration to align land use bylaw regulations to the Municipal Development Plan policy and include housing product review. In Q2 2021, the Development Branch initiated the design the Land Use Bylaw Rewrite Project Plan. Continuation of this project will occur throughout 2022. Understanding that Council has identified diversification of the housing types as an important issue, Administration continues to address this file, when possible, however, significant gains are expected with the LUB update. The completion of the regulations will be incorporated into Land Use Bylaw update project, resulting in increased staffing efficiency and improved coordination of the regulations.
...body
Report Date: June 8, 2021
Author: Kristina Peter
Department: Planning & Development
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble