Changes proposed to Cochrane’s accessory suite by-law
Posted Oct 31, 2016 9:08 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Major changes could soon be coming to Cochrane’s accessory suite by-law but it’s nothing town officials wouldn’t already be accustomed to if history is any factor.
Among the three changes being made to the by-law is a new rule that suite owners need to have a widened driveway to accommodate tenant parking.
More commonly known as secondary suites in Calgary, Cochrane says it’s already policy for officials, they’re just now getting around to making it law.
“If it’s in the front and you only have a single car garage, it won’t be allowed anymore. This was in line with a decision made in 2014 that has to be incorporated in by-law. There must also be safe and unimpeded access from the parking area to the front door of the suite. Once those two things are changed and updated, the Planning Commission feels these permits are straight forward and the officer or administration can make the approval decision once there are no further changes required,” said Town Planner Nicole Tomes.
It’s in huge contrast to what has to happen in Calgary where applicants have to present their case in front of council.
Existing suites won’t have to make changes and they’ll be grandfathered into any changes made.
Tomes says they’re holding an open-house Thursday morning for builders, developers and realtors so they can learn more about the changes.
Administration will be asking for resident input over the month of November.
Officials are hoping to bring a draft by-law before council in December.
