At Zak’s, we’re committed to helping our neighbors build homes that fit both their lifestyles and their budgets. As the housing market evolves, so do the rules that shape our neighborhoods. We stay closely tuned into these changes to ensure we’re providing the best advice and building solutions for our clients in Warman and beyond.
Recently, Warman City Council approved an amendment to the zoning bylaw that introduces smaller residential lot sizes in specific areas. This move aims to tackle housing affordability and keep pace with modern urban trends seen across North America. It’s an interesting shift for our local landscape, sparking important conversations about density, infrastructure, and the future of our streets.
Check out the full details of the council’s decision below:
Warman approves new minimum residential lot size
An amendment to Warman’s zoning bylaw intended to support higher-density, small-lot residential development was adopted by Warman City Council at a meeting on Monday, February 23.
The amendment, which will allow reduced minimum lot frontage and lot area requirements, applies only to lands in the city which are zoned R2-T, and would not impact other residential zoning districts such as R1 (Residential-Single Detached), Residential Mixed (R2), Residential-Multiple Unit (R3) or Residential Manufactured Homes (R4).
In addition, the narrower lot sizes would only be implemented in “selected pockets” within the R2-T Residential District. It does not mean a wholesale change for the R2-T district.
The R2-T Zoning District was established in 2018 to accommodate higher-density residential development through more compact lot configurations. The trend toward smaller, narrower lots is growing in urban areas across North America, as developers seek to increase the number of dwelling units within new housing developments.
The new bylaw reduces the minimum lot size in the R2-T district from 362 square meters to 225 square meters for single detached dwellings; and from 278 square meters to 225 square meters for semi-detached dwellings.
In addition, the minimum lot frontage for single-detached dwellings is reduced from 10.363 meters (34 ft.) to 7.5 meters (24 ft. 7 in.).
The minimum lot frontage for semi-detached dwellings under the revised bylaw remains unchanged at 7.5 meters. Also unchanged is the side minimum of 1.2 meters (4 ft.).
An administration report to the February 23 city council meeting noted that the zoning bylaw amendment allows Warman to match Saskatoon’s minimum lot size requirements.
During discussion of the zoning bylaw amendment, councillors noted that while increased residential density contributes to the city’s goal of creating more affordable housing, it also creates infrastructure challenges.
One of their major concerns was parking and snow clearing. Some councillors advocated wider streets to balance out the narrower lots.
Warman City Councillor Richard Beck said wider streets would facilitate easier access for service vehicles and emergency responders.
“On narrow streets the snow accumulates and can’t be cleared or hauled out,” said Beck. “The problem is that once the housing development is done, the city is responsible for the maintenance and services. I’d like to see more discussion about the costs and benefits of widening the roads.”
Councillor Kevin Tooley pointed out that wider streets translates into fewer lots, and that, in turn, would drive up the cost of housing and make it less affordable.
“It’s like increasing the width of the hallways in your house,” said Tooley. “If you do that, you reduce the overall living space in the rooms. The only way to have wider hallways and bigger rooms is to increase the size of the house.”
Tooley suggested that smaller equipment for use on narrower streets may be one of a range of creative solutions to meet that challenge.
Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk asked about parking concerns, and was told by planning department officials that homes destined for the narrower lot sizes would have driveways and garages if that was a specification desired by council.
City Councillor Shaun Cripps said the city needs to work with developers to achieve the goal of more affordable housing as laid out in the city’s strategic plan. He noted developers respond to market demand, and are looking to locate higher-density developments in areas of the city that are appropriate.
“The developer wants to put the best product possible on the market at the best possible price,” said Cripps. “The buyer wants the most house they can afford. This type of development is more affordable and allows buyers into a market they might otherwise not have access to.”
Source: ccgazette.ca