Saanich residents will be able to plant their ideas about garden suites in a series of open houses beginning Saturday.
Residents will be able to comment until May 16 on a proposed regulatory framework that would permit garden suites in Saanich.
“There’s been a really thorough public engagement process,” said Coun. Ned Taylor, adding that the study has been underway for about a year. “I’m looking forward to having the process completed and getting garden suites in Saanich.”
The proposal considered public input, including more than 2,600 surveys, gathered between March and August 2018.
The surveys showed a majority of respondents support legalizing garden suites in Saanich, allowing larger garden suites on larger lots and requiring additional parking on properties with garden suites. They do not support allowing garden suites to be used as short-term vacation rentals.
A garden suite is a residential dwelling located on the ground in the backyard of a property that has a single-family home as its primary use. They are not currently permitted in Saanich.
“Garden suites could be a really exceptional way to provide more housing and create some urban infill in areas like Gordon Head and Royal Oak,” Taylor said. “I’m really supportive. It’s a good way to address the housing crisis.”
In September 2017, council adopted terms of reference for a study to explore potential regulatory changes that would allow garden suites.
Mayor Fred Haynes said council is aware that finding suitable rental housing, accommodations for extended family members, or opportunities to downsize and age in the same residence can be challenges.
“Garden suites could help bridge the gap,” he said.
The proposed regulations would allow garden suites in all residential single-family zoned areas that are on the sewer system in urban areas. Properties could have either a garden suite or a secondary suites, but not both. The maximum size of a garden suite would depend on the size of the lot.
As well, the owner would have to live on the property, in either the primary dwelling or the garden suite.
Staff will use the feedback from open houses and an online survey at saanich.ca/gardensuites to revise the proposed regulatory framework for garden suites, which will later be considered by council.
Open houses will be held:
• May 4 — 2-5 p.m. at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, 3220 Cedar Hill Rd.
• May 7 — 5-8 p.m. at the Greek Community Centre, 4648 Elk Lake Dr.
• May 9 — 4-7 p.m. at G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd.
• May 16 — 1:30-4 p.m. at Gordon Head Recreation Centre, 4100 Lambrick Way.
