Shaping Guelph: Official Plan Review

The City recently reviewed our accessory apartment regulations (including garden suites) in the Additional Residential Unit Review completed in 2020. The Zoning Bylaw was updated to allow additional residential units within a single detached, semi-detached or townhouse unit and to also allow a detached unit on the same property. The new regulations are found in section 4.15, Residential Intensification, of the Zoning Bylaw. Additional residential units built in accordance with section 4.15 are permitted as-of-right. Where section 4.15 regulations cannot be met, a minor variance may be appropriate depending on the site context and would be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Garden suites are defined as a one-unit detached dwelling unit containing bathroom and kitchen facilities that is separate from and subordinate to a primary dwelling unit and that is designed to be portable and temporary. These are considered temporary structures and are regulated in accordance with the Temporary use By-law provisions of the Official Plan and shall be subject to site plan control. Garden suites are not permitted as-of-right within the city.

Garden suites are regulated by the Zoning Bylaw, which is currently under review as part of the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review. For more information on the review, timelines, and opportunities on how you may be able to participate are available here: https://guelph.ca/city-hall/by-laws-and-policies-2/draft-by-laws/zoningreview/ 

The City is proposing to remove any reference to items like how city advisory committees operate that are more appropriately dealt with in Terms of from the Official Plan. The Terms of Reference themselves will remain as part of the By-laws that enact and govern these committees. This change does not diminish the importance or relevance of these committees, nor does it impact their function. The rationale behind this approach is to reduce administrative updates to the Official Plan that may expose the way these committee’s operate to appeal under the Planning Act.

Currently, the City is proposing the policy direction to explore a net ecological gain for such projects. City staff will work together to determine how this may be accomplished. Final draft policies will be presented to the public for their review and comment.

Yes. Even before development applications are submitted for review and approval, the City reviews water supply when designating lands and meeting the water needs of future residents. This is informed through the Water Supply Master Plan and Subwatershed studies.

Yes. The City feels that they do have a responsibility for water impacts beyond its jurisdictional boundaries. This includes impacts to Guelph’s river systems and watersheds that reach beyond the city. The City undertakes studies to better understand and minimize impacts.

Yes, the Official Plan through land use and Natural Heritage System policies will continue to maintain and promote Guelph’s existing and new parks and open spaces. Further, The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is being updated, which will provide further direction on these spaces.

The Official Plan is not able to require certain construction practices, materials or methods, but it does encourage this.

The Official Plan is a land use planning policy document that can set the foundation for a reduced environmental impact for Guelph. This is done through policies that support the development of complete communities. These communities use increased density and mix of uses to support needs of residents within a walkable or transit supported distance. All of which can reduce our impact on our resources.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation is woven throughout the Official Plan, touching on policies dealing with land use, mobility, energy and the natural heritage system, among others. Through the development review process, the Official Plan policies are applied to the review and conformity with these policies are noted.

On June 3, the city announced that staff would be bringing forward recommendations to City Council to designate the provincially-owned Ontario Reformatory lands and buildings at 785 York Road under the Ontario Heritage Act including listing the cultural heritage resources at 110 Dunlop Drive and 328 Victoria Road South.

More information about the staff recommendations and when they will be considered by City Council is available here.