SECONDARY SUITES in a separate building on larger parcels are one step closer to reality as city council approved the first and second readings of the zoning amendment Jan. 28.
City development services director David Block recommended the approvals to change the uses and regulations in the RR1 rural residential zone and the accessory building regulations to allow secondary suites in other than the principal residence on a property.
It provides more living units where dwellings are already located, said Block.
On Jan. 18, resident Trevor Jobb requested that the zoning bylaw be amended to allow secondary suites in an accessory building on an RR1 property.
Zoning bylaw currently allows secondary suites in the principal dwelling on RR1 property after council amended the bylaw in 2009 to allow that.
Councillor Stacey Tyers said the amendment comes at a perfect time as residents struggle with finding a place to live. Councillor Bruce Bidgood said the amendment was similar to what’s done in Sweden.
City council voted unanimously to approve the first two readings of the amendment.