Calgary city council will consider new restrictions Monday on where rowhouses and townhomes can be built in dozens of communities. The proposed changes follow council’s decision to repeal blanket rezoning earlier this year and would introduce more consistent rules for higher-density housing in established neighbourhoods. According to a city administration report, rowhouses and townhouses would no longer be supported on about 75 per cent of properties designated for limited-scale residential development within the affected areas. Under the proposal, developments with three or more homes would generally need back lane access and meet at least one additional requirement, such as being located on a corner lot, near transit, along a main street, or next to a park. The changes would affect six local area plans, including North Hill, South Shaganappi, Riley, Chinook, West Elbow and East Calgary International Avenue. The amendments would not automatically change the zoning of individual properties but would guide future development decisions. The city has identified 12 development applications still under review or appeal, representing 121 proposed homes including secondary suites, that would no longer align with the proposed policies. Council’s public hearings for Nov. 9 are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.
