At the Public Hearing held on July 21, 2009 Council unanimously approved zoning changes and a set of design guidelines to enable secondary suites within apartments.  The zoning changes are anticipated to be enacted on September 8, 2009, along with the adoption of the guidelines.  Development applications can be submitted now, however a permit is not issuable until the zoning changes are enacted.

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Summary of key features of the secondary suites within apartments proposal: 

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• In commercial zones (C-2, C-2B, C-2C, C-2C1 and C-3A); residential areas of the Downtown District (DD); and as a policy in new Official Development Plans (beginning with Southeast False Creek);
• The secondary suite cannot be strata titled as a separate unit or sold separately from the primary dwelling unit.  Like a secondary suite in a single family house, the suite in the apartment would be for rental or family use;
• A secondary suite would be self-contained, including one complete bathroom unit and no more than one kitchen unit, and with its own separate door to a corridor or the outside, and a shared internal door which can be locked off;
• Minimum unit size of 26 m² (280 sq. ft.).  The City may consider smaller units [with an absolute minimum of 19 m² (205 sq. ft.)] if the design and location can ensure livable units;
• No additional parking spaces beyond what is required for the apartment building.  Additional bicycle parking spaces would be required;
• Design Guidelines to further enhance livability aspects such as light, privacy and safety.  

Minutes of the July 21 Council Meeting (see item #5 on page 6)

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July 21 Public Hearing Agenda and Materials (see item #5)