![]() ![]() That would increase to $3,500 if the application is inconsistent with the design guidelines and has to be referred to council.Īt the April 21 committee meeting, Victoria councillors passed an amendment to make the proposed application fee a flat rate of $2,000. It was recommended that the base application fee be raised to $3,000. The current fee of $1,000 is less than the costs associated with staff time needed during the approvals process. The city is also looking to amend its garden suite fees for property owners. Sustainable features such as green roofs, permeable paving, bike parking spots, rainwater collection and energy-efficient aspects are also encouraged in the updated framework. Recommended updates to the overall guidelines include: highlighting the city’s tree protection bylaw, enhancing suite accessibility and strategically locating mechanical equipment such as heat pumps. ![]() READ: Saanich resident says simpler process when building garden suites a solution to housing crisis The city also wants roof forms that are sympathetic to neighbours to avoid shadow and privacy impacts. Staff proposes that windows look onto the garden suite’s own property and that they be located at specific distances from the property line to address privacy concerns. Staff say the program is working well, but Victoria’s garden suite design guidelines need to be revised to remove redundant language, address common design challenges and bring the document into alignment with other city policies, bylaws and initiatives.Ĭurrent design issues surround window placements and privacy impacts, roof shapes and building entry. The city saw a drastic uptick in garden suite applications after amending its garden suite policy in 2017 to delegate certain approvals to staff. Redundant or outdated aspects of Victoria’s garden suite program have caused the city to bring forward updates to its design guidelines, as it will also aim to increase application fees to better reflect associated costs. ![]()
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