Hamilton councillors want to bolster secondary units

City politicians want to make it easier for Hamilton residents to build secondary-dwelling units in backyards, side yards and garages.

Recent zoning reform has removed obstacles to allow for accessory apartments as of right" - within or outside main residences - as the city aims to bolster density and rental stock.

But just how to go about building a second detached unit can be daunting for the average homeowner, Coun. Maureen Wilson says.

During the last election, residents expressed an interest in them, but they didn't really know where to begin," the Ward 1 councillor said Tuesday.

Wilson noted secondary units can help the city curb sprawl, make it easier for people to age in place and provide more rentals.

Councillors backed her call for a report back on a dedicated approvals team, a library of design templates, a one-stop" website and other ways to help people pursue secondary units.

Since it updated zoning in 2021, the city has seen a significant increase" in the number of permits issued to build them, Jason Thorne, general manager of planning and economic development, told The Spectator.

In 2022, the building division issued well over" 300 permits, compared to maybe 100" in typical years before the zoning changes.

We're seeing more, but there's still a barrier there just in terms of awareness and knowledge," Thorne said. It's pretty daunting for the average homeowner."

Wilson's motion doesn't propose changing the rules, but adding resources to make it a little easier" for residents to navigate the process, he noted.

The idea is prudent" and timely," Coun. Ted McMeekin told the planning committee, pointing to the city's goal of avoiding sprawl development into farmland.

Coun. Esther Pauls said she understood the heart of the motion," which is to spur more units through intensification.

But the Ward 7 councillor noted some residents' opposition to converted garages and backyard suites. She also flagged concern over absentee speculators" snapping up properties with little regard for neighbours.

I'm afraid of those things, so I'm looking forward to the report," said Pauls, who also raised the issue of how much the initiative might cost.

There will be a price tag, which staff will specify in the pending report, Thorne noted.

Council has doubled down" on increasing Hamilton's density in built-up areas to meet long-term growth targets, Coun. Cameron Kroetsch said.

This is some of the lowest-impact density that I can think of in terms of scale, size. If we can't get behind this, we're not going to meet our targets."

The planning committee's support for Wilson's motion awaits a final nod at council next week.

Teviah Moro is a reporter at The Spectator. tmoro@thespec.com