The District of Sicamous is looking to secondary dwellings as a way of providing more affordable housing options in the community.
District staff and council are currently in the process of reviewing zoning bylaws. In that, they’ve been having a close look at secondary dwellings, which can be a secondary dwelling within an existing residence, or a detached structure, such as a carriage or guest houses and garden suites. These units would be designed to particular specifications, for either rental purposes or, in the case of guest houses, for use by family members, temporary guests or persons employed on the premises.
“We’re looking at trying to streamline and trying to make it more affordable and make it more accessible and more palatable,” said Mayor Terry Rysz. “That’s kind of where we’re going with some of this stuff right now. So we would totally love to see another 400 complexes in the community. First off, its the taxation, and second, it’s more people in the community.”
To promote residential “infill” with the construction of carriage houses and garden suites, both of which can serve as secondary, self-contained residences, the district may consider reducing application fees and development cost charges.
“There’s a big ripple effect that comes with this…encouraging people to invest, it increases their property value, so I think that’s a good thing,” said Rysz.
Rysz said there’s been a few secondary dwellings built in the district, but the interest is growing.
At its last meeting, council gave its approval for a variance permit to include a secondary dwelling unit within a residence to be constructed at 718 Hemlock Cres. South.
The variance was required as the district’s zoning bylaws have not yet caught up its recently updated official community plan, which supports the secondary dwelling.
“This is OCP compliant, it’s supported by staff, and when we under go our zoning bylaw review, which is now, we will look at modifying that language to give more properties an opportunity to bring secondary units to their property that falls under the definition of mild densification,” commented district town manager Evan Parliament. “Mild in that it’s a single-family area, it’s not multi-family, it’s not intense densification near the highway. We have to be mindful and careful of the integrity of the neighbourhood, but again, it gives people the opportunity to provide additional revenue and also provide affordable housing.”
The district did receive a letter about variance from a neighbour concerned with how the proposed two-storey structure could obstruct views and would overlook their property. Parliament said this is something council is obligated to consider as it pursues mild densification.
“The language is that council should be aware that if you grant this variance, that you are mindful of their neighbours, whether they’re east, west, north or south, that their views aren’t looking into siding, that they have a view of open space or water… you have to be mindful of that,” said Parliament.