Communities in Hastings County are being given notice they may have to amend zoning by-laws to make room for second dwelling units.
County Planner Mark Pederson presented the information to Hastings Highlands Council earlier today. Pederson says Hastings County is required by the province to have policies authorizing secondary dwelling units as part of its official plan.
The information from Pederson sets out that these are secondary units that can be built in current homes, as additions on homes, or as separate buildings on the same lot. This would increase the supply of affordable housing, and provide rental income for property owners.
Hastings Highlands Planning, Building & Development Clerk Cathy Bujas says zoning by-laws in the municipality could have to be amended to comply with this.
Bujas says basement apartments are currently not allowed in Hastings Highlands, except in portions of Maynooth and Bird’s Creek. She also says a lot is currently not allowed to have two homes on it.
Bujas adds secondary units will likely not be permitted on waterfront properties, as many lakes are at capacity or because the size of the lots would not allow for it. Decisions about secondary dwelling units on waterfront properties will have to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Council has passed an agreement in principal on the subject, but will receive more information once the county’s official plan is finalized.