Following a public hearing and community feedback, Red Deer City Council unanimously approved changes to the Zoning Bylaw for backyard suites at Monday’s Council meeting. The new rules balance housing flexibility with safeguards for neighbourhood character and resident concerns.
Key changes to the Zoning Bylaw include:
Height & Size limits
- Backyard suites cannot be taller than the main house and must not exceed 5.5 metres when built at grade or 7.4 metres tall when built above a garage.
- Backyard suites can be a maximum of 75 square metres or 75% of the main house’s footprint, whichever is smaller.
Variance restrictions
- The minimum distance of 2.5 metres between a backyard suite and the main house can no longer be varied.
- The 15% cap on the number of House Suites plus Backyard Suites in all neighbourhoods cannot no longer be varied.
- For the neighbourhoods of Parkvale, Woodlea, Waskasoo, Riverside Meadows, and Westpark, backyard suite regulations can only be relaxed to a maximum of 10%.
Improved notification
- If a backyard suite application needs a variance, all property owners within 100 metres will be notified if a variance is requested for a backyard suite.
Neighbourhood character
- In Parkvale, Woodlea, Waskasoo, Riverside Meadows, and Westpark, all backyard suite applications are subject to these neighbourhood’s Character Statements and Overlays.
“These changes reflect what we heard from residents,” said David Girardin, Senior Manager. “Backyard suites are an important housing option, but they need to fit well within existing neighbourhoods.”
The updates follow months of public engagement, including an online survey, in-person sessions, and the opportunity for residents to share their views at a public hearing. Hundreds of comments were received and summarized in a “What We Heard” report provided to Council before the decision.
Key themes from residents included:
- Support for housing choice: Many residents recognized backyard suites as a way to add flexible and affordable housing options for families, students, and renters.
- Concerns about neighbourhood character: Participants emphasized the need to ensure suites are scaled appropriately and consistent with the look and feel of existing neighbourhoods.
- Desire for clarity and fairness: Residents wanted clear rules that apply consistently across the city, particularly around height, size, and density.
- Notification and transparency: Neighbours asked for stronger notification when suites require variances, to ensure residents are aware and able to provide input.
For more information visit, www.reddeer.ca/backyardsuites