Ontario’s recent updates to the Planning Act now require municipalities to allow the construction of up to two “additional residential units” (ARUs) on fully-serviced urban lots. This change permits a maximum of three dwellings per lot.
The changes come as an effort to make more housing available in urban areas with services like municipal water and sewer. These updates have raised important discussions in municipalities, such as Petawawa, where officials have been reviewing their policies regarding ARUs.
Melanie Scheer, the Director of Planning and Management for Petawawa, explained that many residents have been inquiring about building ARUs, especially on partially serviced lots. “For lots under one acre, we need an official plan amendment and a zoning bylaw amendment to move forward,” she shared. However, she also pointed out that these new changes present an opportunity to expand policies and make things easier for residents interested in ARUs.
In her recommendations to the council, Scheer suggested amending the town’s official plan to allow minor variances for partially serviced lots under one acre. This change would still require a planning process but would eliminate the need for zoning amendments.
Currently, residents who want to build ARUs on partially or privately serviced lots under one acre need to submit a site-specific official plan amendment. If the council agrees to update its ARU policies, these types of developments could be considered case by case.
Although the provincial focus is primarily on fully serviced lots, many areas like Petawawa have more partially serviced properties. Mayor Gary Serviss acknowledged that while the legislation was designed with other municipalities in mind, it presents a unique opportunity for Petawawa.
“I love everything about this, and I think it’s great that we’re doing everything in our power to provide these more affordable ARUs to our community,” he said.
These changes to Ontario’s Planning Act are part of broader efforts to increase affordable housing options in urban areas and could help many municipalities, including Petawawa, create more diverse housing opportunities for their residents.
(Written by: Emma Butler)