Public Hearing Secondary Suites Zoning Amendment Bylaw
Posted: 2008/09/28

After discussing a proposal regarding the introduction of secondary suites in the September Planning Committee, Council is proceeding with a zoning bylaw amendment introducing secondary suites (as part of the affordable housing strategy). The final opportunity for public input will be at the public hearing that has been scheduled:

Time of Meeting:  7:00 pm
Date of Meeting: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Place of Meeting: Community Meeting Room, Library Building, 5797 Cowrie Street

Why introduce secondary suites?
Introducing secondary suites is an explicit goal of the Affordable Housing Strategy in the Official Community Plan. Secondary suites provide a form of (affordable) rental accommodation which is in high demand because of the high cost of housing on the Sunshine Coast. The Affordable Housing Strategy calls for protection and promotion of affordable housing in the existing housing supply. Based on MLS.ca information, Sechelt may have around 350 (illegal) rental suites. This is estimated to provide 31% of the rental housing market in Sechelt.

Zoning Bylaw Amendment
The zoning bylaw amendment incorporates secondary suites as an allowed use to the Zoning Bylaw. The amendment will allow secondary suites in single family dwellings only (following BC Building Code definition for a Secondary Suite). Once adopted, homeowners have the option of adding a secondary suite in new construction or as part of a renovation project.

How to deal with existing suites?
The District believes that existing suites are typically not compliant with BC Building Code requirements. This means most existing suites will not qualify as a properly constructed secondary suite under the zoning bylaw. However, once the bylaw amendment is adopted, owners of existing suites have the option of upgrading their suite up to building code requirements.

Results from consultation
Two public information meetings have been held. People expressed support for secondary suites as a form of affordable housing. However, they expressed concerns regarding a mandatory upgrading program. For a summary of the public comments to date please read the notes from the June 24 meeting and notes from the September 4 meeting.

Possible future upgrading / enforcement program
Council has not decided on a possible future upgrading and enforcement program for existing suites. Staff has recommended to wait with implementing such a program until new and properly constructed suites have become available.

More information
For more information please contact André Boel, Community Planner, Tel: 604-885-1986,
e-mail: aboel@sechelt.ca