Council approves Second Dwelling Units

LEAMINGTON — With a vote of 5-1, Leamington council moved to allow second dwellings on existing properties, provided they meet certain criteria.

The recommendation from administration at the August 10 council meeting was to allow Second Dwelling Units (SDUs) on properties to help with the housing crisis.

The SDU would be a self-contained residential unit with private bathroom, kitchen, sleeping areas and entrances. It could be attached or detached.

This would include the so-called granny suites, in-law suites or basement apartments.

LARRY VERBEKE

The units must be constructed to meet building codes and regulations. A building permit must be obtained and it’s limited to one parking space.

The recommendation does not include boarding houses, farm worker dwellings, apartment buildings or properties with more than three units.

Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke wondered about people who have been turned down in the past.

“What do we do with people from the past where we’ve made them tear down second dwellings?” he asked.

Councillor Paul Tiessen questioned why they should accept this change before the Official Plan was updated.

PAUL TIESSEN

“I’d like to see the Official Plan in place before we go forward on this,” Tiessen said.

Leamington’s Official Plan was last updated in 2008 and does not include Second Dwelling Units. Council is currently awaiting administration’s new Official Plan.

Councillor Tim Wilkinson spoke in favour of the recommendation.

“This is a vehicle for affordable housing,” he said.

Councillor Bill Dunn agreed and moved to accept the recommendation.

After further discussion the vote came out in favour of allowing the change by a count of 5-1, with Tiessen being the only vote against.