We’re approaching 11 months since we moved into our new (old blue) house, and about 9 months since we had our first early conversations about our small lot subdivision proposal. We’ve since talked with over 50 neighbours and left letters with a bunch more. We reached out to everyone on our block, plus many neighbours on adjoining blocks. Some neighbours we’ve met with numerous times; some only once; others we haven’t heard from at all.
This level of outreach may not be required for every project, but it felt right in our case for a few reasons:
- The level of engagement in our community is very high. People care and want to be included.
- We heard some strong opposition to our small lot proposal early on and needed to better understand how many people shared these views.
- Because we intend to stay here for the foreseeable future, the effort to meet our neighbours has been worthwhile. We’ve heard so many interesting stories!
Here is our summary of what we’ve heard so far (you can view the current design here).
Of the immediate neighbours from whom we need written support (those with whom we share a property line), 73% who have responded are supportive and 27% are opposed. Several others have not responded or are remaining neutral. The key here is that to proceed with the current proposal, we would need at least 75% of neighbours to provide written support via petition. If someone doesn’t respond, his/her vote does not count.
Of ALL the neighbours we have heard from, 84% are in support or neutral, and 16% have stated opposition.
Here is what we heard people say they like about our current design (generally including comments we heard from more than one person):
- They like the scale of the small lot house
- They like that we are adding modest density
- They like that we are keeping the existing house
- They like the ultra-low energy design and environmental goals
- They think density is needed to support Oak Bay Avenue businesses
- They like the dedicated green space in back yard (moving parking to the front)
Here is what we heard people say they do not like about our current design:
- They think the space is too tight for a second house
- They are opposed to small lot subdivision
- They don’t like the design and think it should more closely mimic character houses on the block
- They think the proposed project will make parking issues worse
- One doesn’t like parking in the front
Other comments, suggestions and ideas that were offered:
- Consider the attached option, as it will leave more space between adjoining side properties.
- Many are concerned about impacts to our neighbours most immediately affected due to their strong relationships and their current health issues. Consider waiting.
- Confirm that there will be enough distance to the Garry Oak to the south to not damage it.
- Partially bury workshop in the rear yard and/or change roof line to reduce height and minimize intrusion on properties to the west.
- Remove back yard shed for new house to leave more rear yard green space.
- Make the roof line of the new house more conventional.
- Be more clear about material choices (i.e. show that we are using cedar or other natural siding material).
- Include solar thermal for hot water pre-heating.
Next steps: If we go ahead with the small lot plan, we will incorporate as much of the constructive feedback as possible. We are also considering the attached duplex option. To confirm that this option is viable for us, we have a bunch of questions we need to answer around financing, costs, design requirements, and city expectations. This is what we are working on now.
Schedule: With either option, we have to apply for rezoning, which will take 6-12 months to get approved after we submit. Our current goal is to submit our application this summer with the hope of beginning construction next spring/summer.
Leave a Reply