The Canadian Press Posted: Apr 15, 2017 10:10 PM PT
Victoria makes it easier and cheaper for homeowners to build garden suites:
Previously garden suite applications were evaluated by council on case-by-case basis
Victoria city councilors have voted to allow garden suites in all single-family homes in a move to increase rental housing options.
The city says there are 6,700 single family homes in Victoria and allowing more garden suites could alleviate the very tight rental market.
“It has the potential to be a very large step, we hope homeowners will consider it,” said Victoria mayor Lisa Helps.
Until now, garden suite applications were evaluated by council on a case-by-case basis.
Only 18 garden suites have been built in Victoria since 2011, far fewer compared to cities such as Vancouver.
The city says the change doesn’t override regulations for privacy and safety for building garden suites, but it will make the process easier and less costly for homeowners.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/victoria-makes-it-easier-cheaper-for-homeowners-to-build-garden-suites-1.4072161
