Housing Strathcona
Published April 18, 2008
On April 22 Council will debate two amendments to Strathcona County's Land Use Bylaw. Bylaw 16-2008 will allow for the development of secondary suites that will broaden the range of housing options in Strathcona County. Bylaw 20-2008 will address the need for housing for agricultural workers involved in larger agricultural, horticultural and major equestrian operations. Both amendments are discretionary uses which will provide adjacent landowners an opportunity to have input at the development permit stage. Dwellings will be required to meet provincial building and fire code requirements. Having these types of housing options in our community has the potential of addressing the housing needs for seniors and students and in the case of agricultural operations, providing these operations with the opportunity to remain viable businesses by eliminating the daily transportation requirements to and from the farming operations. Let's not try and kid ourselves, many illegal suites already exist in Strathcona County. The need for this type of entry level housing is already apparent and the bylaws will address the safety of our residents by ensuring building code standards are being met. Restrictions on location, size, parking and use are addressed in the bylaws.
My concern with the proposed secondary suite bylaw amendment is that the permit must be renewed after five years. After investing $30,000.00 or more for renovations to meet code requirements I feel there must be more certainty in the return of investment to actually encourage folks to take on the project of creating secondary suites.
Copies of the proposed bylaws can be viewed on the Strathcona County website. (Reports 14.1 and 14.3.) Please take the time to review the bylaws and let your councillor know what portions of the bylaws you are, or are not, in favour of. I find that it is usually those who are opposed to the bylaw amendments that take the time to make their opinions heard and those who would like to see the bylaws pass are usually very silent. If you too see a need for housing options such as secondary suites for your children or as an opportunity for seniors especially to earn some additional income by renting out portions of their home, voice your opinion.
Jacquie Fenske
Councillor Ward 5
464-8147
fenske@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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