HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-16-031 - Residential Intensification in Established Neighbourhoods (RIENS) - Issues and OptionsStaff Report
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REPORT TO: Council
DATE OF MEETING: May 16, 2016
SUBMITTED BY: Alain Pinard, Director of Planning
PREPARED BY: Janine Oosterveld, Manager of Site Development &
Customer Service 519 - 741 -2200 ext. 7076
WARD(S) INVOLVED: 3, 8, 9 and 10
DATE OF REPORT: May 2, 2016
REPORT NO.: CSD -16 -031
SUBJECT: Residential Intensification in Established Neighbourhoods
Issues & Options Report
RECOMMENDATION:
For discussion.
REPORT:
Over the course of last year, the Residential Intensification in Established
Neighbourhoods Study (RIENS) was added to the Corporate Business Plan, the terms
of reference established, and Meridian Planning Consultants was retained to undertake
the project.
The purpose of the study is to review of the City's planning approval process for new
development projects in established residential neighbourhoods to determine if changes
are necessary. The goal of the study is to develop a clear and fair process for
approving redevelopment projects in these neighbourhoods while ensuring that projects
"fit" with the neighbourhood.
The community engagement component of the project is underway with a Public
meeting on March 8t to introduce the community to the project, and the first stakeholder
session on April 6 th
The consultant has prepared the Issues & Options Report (attached to this staff report
as Appendix A and referred to in this report as the "Options Report "). The purpose of
this report is:
1. Provide the Kitchener context (state of intensification, how development is
currently approved)
* ** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. * **
Please call 519- 741 -2345 or TTY 1- 866 - 969 -9994 for assistance.
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2. Review other practices (how other municipalities address development in
established neighbourhoods)
3. Provide analysis of different practices /options in the form of a "menu" of options -
meaning the recommended approach could be a combination of more than one
option.
This report provides the background information and discussion of options to lead into
the next phase of community engagement.
The purpose the Council Strategy Session is to get preliminary feedback from Council
on priorities for what neighbourhood characteristics should be addressed, and initial
feedback on the options. Coupled with upcoming community input, this feedback will
assist the study team to determine:
• what neighbourhood characteristics are of primary interest to Council and the
community; and,
• what changes to the rules and processes will help new development best fit,
while recognizing any trade -offs.
Questions for Council Discussion:
1. What do you see as the top priorities for ensuring compatibility? (examples:
setbacks, location of garage, landscaped area, building height, architectural
style)
2. The report outlines a "menu" of options (Table 26, page 72) for evaluating
development applications. To varying degrees, these options either change rules
or add approval steps so that development applications are compatible with the
neighbourhood. In some cases, the additional steps will also add costs and time
to obtain approvals. What are your thoughts on the proposed options and
the trade -offs?
It should be noted that no decisions will be made at this session. Additionally, the
information contained in the Options Report does not include a recommended approach
— it simply introduces the options to start the discussion.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Strategic Priority 3 — Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods
Strategy 3.3 - Manage growth, curb urban sprawl, and foster more mixed -use
development, ensuring new development is integrated with the diversity and character
of the surrounding community.
N137 - Residential Intensification in Established Neighbourhoods
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The cost of this project is funded within an existing account (Planning Studies).
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
It is important that the community be aware and engaged in this project using multiple
themes (inform, consult, collaborate) of the City's community engagement toolkit. This
report provides background and a framework for discussion through the upcoming
community engagement sessions planned for this study including public workshops,
stakeholder sessions and on -line feedback.
CONCLUSION:
The Options Report provides information leading into the next phase of community
engagement. The purpose the Council Strategy Session is to get preliminary feedback
from Council on priorities for what should be addressed through any changes to the
process, and initial feedback on the options.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO (Community Services)
Attachments:
Appendix `A' Issues & Options Report prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
-see link http:// www. kitchener. ca /en /livinginkitchener /riens.as�
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