Development Services Committee Minutes
July 19, 2016,
9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON
Council Chamber
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton
Attendance
Councillor Alex Chiu
Regrets
|
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative
Officer
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Trinela Cane, Commissioner of
Corporate Services
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community & Fire Services
Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor
Adam Grant, Chief Fire Prevention
Officer
Anna Henriques, Senior Planner,
Zoning and Special Projects
Biju Karumanchery, Director of
Planning and Urban Design
Bradley Roberts, Supervisor, Zoning
Tom Villella, Manager, Zoning and
Special Projects
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:09 a.m. in the Council Councillor Don
Hamilton in the Chair.
- None declared
2. MEMORANDUM:
AUTHORIZATION TO HOLD A PUBLIC
OPEN HOUSE ON SECONDARY SUITES (PHASE 3A – NEW
COMPREHENSIVE ZONING BY-LAW PROJECT)
PR 13 128340(10.5)
Memorandum Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services introduced this matter
and the presenters.
John
Gladki and Ian Graham of Gladki Planning Associates were in attendance
to give a presentation entitled “New
Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Project Phase 3A: Secondary Suites”. The
presentation included the background and history of Markham’s initiatives
regarding second suites; relevant sections of the Planning Act; policies of the
Markham and York Region Official Plans; and other Ontario By-laws. It was
explained that the existing Markham By-laws do not permit second suites, with
limited exceptions; however, there is a demand for this type of housing and
many currently exist in Markham. Issues of concern are safety, services,
parking, and neighbourhood character; while the benefits are that they address
demographic changes, contribute to housing stock, and help housing affordability
for owners and renters.
The
Consultants outlined the preliminary recommendations regarding amended
provisions in the Zoning By-laws, registration by-laws, interior property
standards by-laws, and public communication/education. Next steps will be to
hold a public open house meeting in the fall and to provide a final report by
the end of 2016.
The
Committee discussed identifying which units are existing “grandfathered” units,
and that such units will not need to be brought into compliance with the new
regulations but may require an update inspection; additional by-law enforcement
resources required; registration versus licensing by-laws; finding a
“made-in-Markham” solution; inspections every three years rather than five
years, and whenever required; accommodating parking and allowing rear-yard parking
pads; parking enforcement; cost recovery options for registration and
inspections; potential impact on property assessment, income tax, and property
insurance; procedures and/or penalties for non-registered units; the
appropriate minimum unit size; appropriate locations/lot sizes/building types;
TRCA Special Policy Areas; owner-occupation requirements; and, the public
consultation and education program.
In
response to questions from the Committee staff explained the rationale for permitted
accessory dwellings in Cathedraltown and Cornell. It was clarified that both
the Planning Act and Markham’s Official Plan encourage allowing second suites;
however, the specific zoning provisions will be refined as determined by the
City. Staff was asked to research other municipalities for the number of
registered units that have resulted from legalizing second suites.
Moved
by: Councillor Karen Rea
Seconded by: Councillor
Colin Campbell
1) That the presentation by Mr. John Gladki, President,
Gladki Planning Associates entitled
“New Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Project Phase 3A: Secondary Suites,” be
received; and,
2) That the memorandum dated July 19, 2016 entitled,
“MEMORANDUM: Authorization to hold a Public Open House on Secondary Suites
(Phase 3a – New Comprehensive Zoning by-law Project) PR 13 128340” be received;
and,
3) That
staff be authorized to hold a Public Open House and Public
Information Meeting with Development Services Committee, to consider
preliminary recommendations for implementing secondary suites in Markham, as
outlined in the attached report and presentation prepared by Gladki Planning
Associates (Appendix ‘A’ and ‘C’) and as summarized in this memorandum; and
further,
4) That
staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
CARRIED
3. ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
Alternate formats for this document
are available upon request.