‘There’s no one-size-fits-all in terms of housing’
St. John's approves consideration of text amendment to simplify regulations, incentivize development of housing
St. John's council took a step toward addressing the city's housing crisis by approving the consideration of a text amendment aimed at the issue.
During the April 30 regular council meeting, councillors agreed housing affordability has slipped for low-income households.
To combat this, the proposed changes will remove barriers and promote densification in residential zones, allowing for a variety of housing types.
The city has received $10.4 million in federal funding to stimulate this growth.
'NEIGHBOURHOOD NEEDS'
"Some of that is going to be used to incentivize the types of developments that we want to see and improve our capacity at the city in terms of the planning department,” said Coun. Maggie Burton.
“This can give us a sense, on a neighbourhood level, what the needs are and what types of housing people need.”
Burton said the amendments will also simplify regulations and incentivize development to address affordability challenges.
“There's no one-size-fits-all in terms of housing,” she said.
NEW TYPES
The proposed changes introduce new housing types such as multi-unit developments in residential zones.
“Multi-unit residential developments are a housing type that’s hard to find here and not everyone wants to have a large single-family home," said Burton.
"The goal is to respond to needs easier through the help of modernized regulations.”
It will also include simplification of regulations to help development approvals, a small increase in density to existing neighbourhoods and the removal of pocket neighbourhood zones to simplify zoning for tiny-home developments.
“In the past, where you might have been able only to build a single-family home, you might now be able to build a multi-unit development,” said Burton.
“What we're looking at is
creating a gentle increase in density, away from the singlefamily home, toward multiunit developments, in a way that blends in with existing neighbourhoods and complements existing structures.”
NEIGHBOURHOOD CONCERNS
Before the official adoption of these changes can be made, feedback from the public is required.
Burton said she has already heard from some residents with concerns, and added it's important to get it right.
“The main concern is that the changes will destroy the character of the neighbourhood,” she said.
“But again, we want new developments that respond to existing neighbourhoods, as opposed to something that comes in and overshadows. We want to create an appropriate infill that's positive and doesn’t stick out.”
Public consultations will take place in May, followed by deliberation by the council for official adoption.
If adopted, Burton said, implementation could start by summer.