Agenda Item 13.2 LUB Update Strategy 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 Council o Agricultural Alliance o Copper Kettle o Realtors o Chamber of Commerce o Water Districts o CRD Building Inspection o CRD Integrated Water Services o CRD Director o The Land Bank Society o Members from the Maliview Sewer Commission o Mike Larmour

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

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

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