Small Lot Design Guidelines
Consultation has concluded
The City of Colwood is in the process of developing design guidelines for small lots.
The City’s Official Community Plan (OCP) defines a small lot as having an area of less than 550 m2 (5920 sq ft). The guidelines will provide greater clarity to small lot design than what is currently provided in the OCP; and, will better assist the City and development community in designing small lot subdivisions.
As a part of this process the City is seeking input from residents of small lots to understand how well parking, storage and outdoor open space on small lots is working today. Your feedback will inform the creation of design guidelines which will help to shape the future of small lot subdivisions in Colwood.
The Draft Small Lot Design Guideline is available for public review. We encourage you to read through and share your thoughts below under the ideas tab.
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The Draft Small Lot Design Guidelines is available for public review and comment.
We encourage you to read the draft guidelines and share your thoughts and comments here. Feedback will be reviewed and any necessary edits will be made to the draft document before appearing before Council once again.
View All Ideasabout 2 years ago
Anticipate Provincial Changes
The B.C. Minister responsible for housing has suggested that the Province will claw back powers from local governments, and introduce measures to increase housing supply which is desperately needed. “municipalities simply are not approving enough housing in a timely enough way.” – David Eby Eby says the government is looking at other jurisdictions that have implemented similar policies such as California, Oregon, Washington and New Zealand. See https://globalnews.ca/news/8641905/bc-local-governments-housing-development/ These other jurisdictions have essentially removed ‘single-family only’ zoning by allowing 3 to 4 units per lot – and up zoning for low/medium rise condos along transit routes. Perhaps these guidelines could be tweaked to also consider small lot developments with multiple units (3-4 plex).
about 2 years ago
Subdivision Criteria
The City should include subdivision criteria in it's guidelines, and consider the impacts of densification to the streetscape. For example, if a conventional subdivision requires that the street trees and boulevards be removed to allow for an extension water/sewer infrastructure, perhaps the guidelines should encourage a bare-land strata with one water/sewer connection that is shared by both strata lots. This could help to save the City $. In exchange, the City could look at reduced subdivision servicing standards for infill strata subdivisions (particularity in areas where infrastructure such as sidewalks already exists, or is planned in the next 5 years).
about 2 years ago
Noise considerations
The small lot design should indicate where and how a heat pump can be located as to not impact the neighbours with their noise.
about 2 years ago
Item 2.5 Zero side yard setback
How is a zero side yard on a lane way garage supposed to work? Unless the buildings are attached one would never be able to maintain that side of the garage like replace siding. Garages usually have foundations and unlike a shed cannot be relocated.
about 2 years ago
Landscape requirements
In keeping with the city’s goal to reduce GHG, the guidelines should include requirements for trees, water retention and drought tolerant planting on each lot.
Who's Listening
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The Development Services team is taking the lead on this file.
Phone 250-294-8153 Email landdevelopment@colwood.ca
