Planning Services is asking for feedback on potential changes to the Zoning By-law. These changes would clear up inconsistencies in the Backyard Homes setback regulations and provide an opportunity for accessible apartments in the commercial Main Street Zone.

Two surveys are posted on the City’s Get Involved page, to gather feedback on Backyard Home setback regulations and ground floor housing in the Main Street Zone.

“We need to make these adjustments to the Zoning By-law for more clear and concise regulations for development,” said Jillian Fazio, Acting Senior Planner. “Changes to rules around housing in commercial areas could help increase the amount of accessible housing in our most walkable neighbourhoods.”

Backyard Homes are permitted, but there are conflicting rules on the appropriate setbacks from lot lines for accessory buildings acting as a backyard home. Currently, a homeowner could convert an existing garage or accessory building into a backyard home, which has different setback requirements than a purpose-built backyard home. The City wants to get clarity on what the public feels is an appropriate solution to the conflicting regulations.

The Main Street Zone housing rules impact some commercial areas, such as portions of Frederica Street or Algoma Street. Currently, residential units are not allowed to take the place of storefronts. A change to the Zoning By-law could allow barrier-free apartments to use part of a main floor of a commercial building.

The online public survey will remain open until November 3, 2023.

An Open House will take place on Monday, October 23, 2023 in the City Hall lobby, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit getinvolvedthunderbay.ca