The Town of Sylvan Lake is supporting the building of secondary suites.
A significant challenge in Sylvan Lake is housing affordability and low vacancy rates, senior planner Trina Lamanes said.
"Secondary suites are one of the lowest cost strategies to provide more affordable rental units that are needed in our community. These units help support our local workforce, provide housing options for the growing number of smaller household sizes in our community, and can provide mortgage helper income for homeowners."
"Secondary suites also provide opportunities for an in-home caregiver (nurse or nanny) and support multi-generational living," she added.
Providing more housing options to meet a variety of needs in Sylvan Lake is important.
"Secondary suites are one of the gentlest forms of density increase and are an efficient use of existing land and infrastructure," Lamanes said.
Individuals wanting to build a secondary suite are required to apply for a development permit, she added.
"They need to apply to ensure they meet the requirements of the Town's Land Use Bylaw which includes on-site parking. Applicants must also apply for a building permit to ensure the secondary suite is safe and meets the Alberta Building Code requirements."
However, the Town isn't expecting a large amount of people requesting to build secondary suites.
"Many properties will not be able to meet all the Land Use Bylaw requirements. However, the Town wanted to ensure that the regulations were not overly restrictive and provided opportunities for secondary suites where they make sense," she said.
