July 2018 - Semi-detached Housing in RF1 and RF2
About IDEA
IDEA promotes and advocates for high quality infill development in Edmonton. Increasing options for housing options —with a strong focus on walkability and local business—is a top priority for our membership.
IDEA’s position on the issue
In 2015 when the City reduced minimum site widths for single detached homes, IDEA advocated that the purposed changed by admin today be made. We are extremely excited to see this come to fruition.
What we like about the proposal
· That duplex and semi-detached houses are being changed from discretionary to permitted uses.
· The removal of locational restrictions on semi-detached and duplex housing
· Allowing multiple subdivisions to increase options for home ownership
Our recommendations for improvement
In the public engagement section of the report it shows that 19 people are in support, 10 are maybe, and 3 are in non-support, however, the comments read as though the majority are in non-support. Suggest reflecting the amount of comments to mirror the answers.
Review the general purpose statement. We are not sure what the difference is between single detached housing and “infill on narrow lots” both are single family homes. We suggest taking out infill on narrow lots to reduce confusion and the stereotyping that narrow lot homes are different than single family homes.
The purpose of this Zone is to allow for Single Detached Housing, infill on narrow lots, Semi-detached Housing, Duplex Housing, Secondary Suites and Garden Suites.
Summary
Statistics show that only allowing semi-detached/duplexes as a permitted use in RF3 lots has barely scratched the surface in our density and infill goals. These purposed changes help support Edmonton’s goals in increasing housing choice in mature and established neighbourhoods. IDEA fully supports these changes and is excited to see options open up for Edmontonians.