The City of Yorkton is looking to change a number of segments of its Zoning Bylaw as it relates to structures other than the home in a yard.
Accessory regulations apply to any structure or use which supports the principle building or use. A typical example would be a detached garage or storage shed which is used in support of a residential dwelling, explained Michel Eger Director of Planning, Building & Development with the City during a presentation to the regular meeting of Yorkton Council on Monday. Apr. 23.
The changes touch on a number of ancillary buildings, the size they can be, and where on a property they can be situated.
To begin with the changes would revise permit exemption from buildings 10 m2 (107.6 sq ft) and under to 9.29 m2 (100 sq ft) and under, said Eger.
This aligns with the Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards (UBAS) Act which exempts this size of building from complying with National Building Code requirements.
In addition, the changes will require design of buildings to complement the appearance and exterior finishing of the principal dwelling, said Eger.
Currently there is nothing to prevent a person from finishing their garage or shed in galvanized steel or other industrial finish, or from installing a pre-fabricated metal structure that does not complement the existing dwelling. This rule would encourage similar colours, finishing materials and roof lines, and generally improve neighbourhood aesthetics.
It will also limit the maximum number of accessory buildings on a site to three.
There is currently no maximum, which has allowed some property owners to have as many as ten garden/storage sheds, while still complying with other regulations.
There will also be an increase the maximum allowable floor area for a single detached garage from 74.5 m2 (802 sq ft) to 87 m2 (936 sq ft). The garage would still not be permitted to be larger than the main floor area of the dwelling on site.
The Development Appeals Board has granted several appeals to the current size limitation. While indoor storage is preferred for resident’s personal belongings, Administration cautions against increasing the maximum size too much in order to mitigate garage use for commercial purposes. Proposed maximum area is larger than average of comparable municipalities. For example, this would allow for large 26 ft wide by 36 ft deep double-car garage, or 36 ft wide by 26 ft deep triple car garage. A typical attached double-car garage is approximately 24 ft x 24 ft.
It will also limit buildings to only one storey above grade, said Eger.
Current regulations imply this but do not explicitly state as such. Attic space limited to storage use only. Discourages unlawful human habitation. Two-storey or raised play structures/tree houses are not regulated by the National Building Code and pose a safety concern which could put the City in a liability position.
“If approved, the new regulations will: improve safety by limiting the spread of fire; mitigate future residential drainage issues; and allow for easier maintenance of accessory buildings, fences and yards. The bylaw would also help reduce the number of accessory building appeals to, and granted by, the City’s Development Appeals Board,” said Eger.
It is noted that these rules would only apply to new structures/additions, and that existing structures will be grandfathered until they are removed, replaced or destroyed.
The changes were given first reading Monday, allowing Administration to proceed with the public notice process.
