Post on 20-Dec-2015
Agenda Item 13.2
LUB UpdateStrategy for Secondary Suites
PURPOSE:
• to provide a summary of the issues and information presented to the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee on the topic of secondary suites.
• to provide the results and summary of consultation with the Salt Spring Island community.
• to synthesize the results of community consultation, the research of other communities, and planning advice by staff and experts in the field in preparation for next steps in the process.
o Salt Spring Island Water Councilo Agricultural Allianceo Copper Kettleo Realtorso Chamber of Commerceo Water Districtso CRD Building Inspectiono CRD Integrated Water Serviceso CRD Directoro The Land Bank Societyo Members from the Maliview Sewer Commissiono Mike Larmour
Yes No Undecided0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
Would like to have a sec-ondary suite in their home
54.7% said that suites should
be allowed in all areas of the
island
68.5% are not concerned about
parking and traffic issues
Homeowners Survey Results
53.7%
85.2% agree the SSI
Community would benefit from legalized
suites
77.5% would like suites in
their neighbourhood
89.2%
4.1%8.1%
Renters who think the SSI Community would benefit from
legalized secondary suites
Yes No Undecided
50.7% live in secondary
suites 48.6% have security of long term housing
60% of renters spend more than 30% of income
on rent
79.7% have housing that
has a kitchen, bathroom, and direct access to
the outdoors
Yes; 40.5%
No, 49.8%
Undecided; 11.6%
Are you concerned about the impacts of secondary suites on Salt Spring’s water supply?
71.4% think suites should be located
in areas not known to have water problems
Targeted consultation has revealed that water quality is threatened by
new suites in watersheds; water
supply is not available for suites in some water
districts; sewer is at capacity in Maliview
Pilot Areas – expand more but avoid watershed basins
Water – let building permit process regulate all except
certain water districts where supply is very limited
Incremental Change – is slow uptake and avoiding
water sensitive areas enough?
Existing Suites – should be grandfathered?
Home owner occupancy – people zoning, are there other ways to ensure neighbours
feel protected?
Home Based Businesses – Good opportunity for tenants to work at home or
have a small business of their own
B&Bs – not in suites but ok on same property
Seasonal Cottages – Allow on larger properties if servicing meets requirements
Housing Need
Legalization of suites is the most frequently suggested
action to increase the supply of affordable housing stock in
the community.
Next Steps