Tiny House Bylaw Amendment Movement

The Tiny House Land-Use Bylaw Amendment Movement continues with defining it in greater detail.  Last issue we mentioned that we figured the best approach with this movement is by using the current system used to amend Individual parcels of land.  WebStamp continues with step 1 where we consult Calgarians on their thoughts about developing tiny house communities within Calgary. Become part of the movement by taking our Tiny House Land-Use Bylaw Amendment Movement Survey helping us with the understanding of what a tiny house property should be.

To amend a bylaw, we need an existing bylaw that is similar to our needs. After reviewing Calgary Land Bylaws there are two that would fit our criteria; R-C1N (Residential– Contextual Narrow Parcel One Dwelling), and R-1N (Residential–Narrow Parcel One Dwelling). Both of these have the smallest property width requirements of 7.5 meters. Using these 2 bylaws as a base we could create new designations R-C1T (Residential– Contextual Thin Parcel One Dwelling), and R-1T allowing for minimum widths of only 5.5 meters.

There are also other sections of the base bylaws that needs altering other than property width. The depth of the property also needs to be changed from 22 meters to only 11.6 meters. Parcel coverage of 50% would work in most cases but should be increased to around 70 to 75%. This would allow for additions as done currently in mobile home parks.

We need to amend the Permitted Uses allowing a Single Detached Dwelling to also include manufacture/mobile homes and trailerable tiny houses similar to the bylaw R-MH (Residential – Manufactured Home). Under Utilities, I agree with most of it, however, having to connect gas should be optional. Tiny homes use much fewer resources and gas is just a luxury that is not essential. Electricity could be integrated with solar power that could be marketed to create revenue.

Check out our next issue where we set the parameters for building setbacks and discretionary use. We are also going to look into application and permit fees and find ways to minimize the expense for tiny lot re-designation for current Calgary properties. Join us and become part of the movement that will help shape Calgary’s future with innovative and affordable property ownership. Participate by giving us your opinion, we would love to hear your thoughts.