Calgary council could approve secondary suite changes Monday
New rules would allow for suites up to 1,000 square feet in some cases

metronews.ca
May 15, 2016
By Brodie Thomas

It was just supposed to be a reduction in red tape for secondary suites, but it stirred up a hornet’s nest of opposition from people around the city

On Monday, council will vote on a proposed bylaw amendment that could allow for secondary suites up to 1,000 square feet in size, and allow suites on narrower building lots than is currently allowed.

The debate on the amendments began at the May 2 meeting, but so many people wanted to voice concerns during the public hearing, the matter was set over.

Kevin Phillips, an advocate for the Wildwood Community Association, was one of the people speaking out.

He said the lack of consultation concerns him.

“This bylaw is very subtle,” he said. “They’re saying, ‘We’re not rezoning anything - we’re just tweaking a couple of rules.”

He thinks in the time since last meeting, council may be ready to address concerns they heard on May 2.

Coun. Shane Keating said he wants to make sure 1,000 square foot suites are only allowed in basements – since it’s nearly impossible to fit one above a garage or in a backyard.

“I’ll be putting in a motion to restrict the backyard suites to 750 (square feet),” he said.

Keating also wants to clarify whether or not narrow lot homes will ever be able to meet the parking requirements.