City proposes relaxed rules for backyard homes after decrease in developments since 2017 changes

Relaxed rules around garden suites in backyards are being suggested by the city after a 32 per cent decrease in developments since new amendments were introduced in 2017.
These new rules put in place Sept. 1, 2017 were intended to reduce barriers around building separated backyard dwellings, but public feedback from the first nine months highlighted challenges with regulations and processes.
Concerns with the 2017 changes include accessibility concerns with design standards and floor area requir