FAQs

A PDO is a zoning tool that modifies land uses and/or development standards in an area. It is applied in unique or special circumstances, in order to achieve local planning objectives in specially defined areas.

The proposed PDO for Glenwood will strengthen the Small-Scale and Low-Rise Residential Development Guidelines for Mature Communities (Residential Infill Guidelines) in Glenwood. The PDO will help reinforce parts of the guidelines related to character of houses, privacy, sunlight, landscaping, and trees by putting them into regulations.

Infill guidelines are a tool used to evaluate how the design and location of a building will look on a property, while also encouraging a better “fit” within the established character of the immediate surroundings.

On June 24, 2021, Council approved the Residential Infill Guidelines.

The Residential Infill Guidelines include: 

• Maximum lot coverage to help ensure that new buildings are in scale with an existing neighbourhood context
• Building height limits, setback distances, main floor height to ensure the scale of new buildings fit their context
• Landscaping and tree planting guidelines for all building types
• Building design and architectural features guidelines for new residential buildings
• Preferred location criteria for all building types. Criteria include minimum lot size, proximity to the primary transit network, proximity to other higher density uses and road type (e.g. local, collector and arterial)

Allowing narrow lot housing options while ensuring that the size and massing of the building is compatible with the character of the street

The guidelines apply to small scale infill residential development in mature communities such as single-family homes, duplexes/side-by-sides, triplexes, fourplexes, and small-scale apartments.

A key goal of the Residential Infill Guidelines is to protect and preserve mature trees through an arborist report and enhance landscaping requirements to ensure a better integration of new development in mature communities.

In addition, the City is currently undertaking a comprehensive Urban Forest Strategy, which is investigating a tree protection by-law or policy. This will supplement the incentives and landscaping requirements of the Residential Infill Guidelines. Other current tools include tree removal guidelines for public trees, the tree/landscape credits in the Zoning By-law, and the Environmentally Significant Natural Lands Strategy.

Design review evaluates the site-layout and design of the proposed buildings and landscaping.

Design review evaluates the location and design of the following:

• Buildings
• Accessory parking and/or loading areas
• Private approaches
• Driveways
• Exterior lighting
• Garbage enclosures
• Fencing
• Landscaping
• Signage

Yes. The Residential Infill Guidelines will help inform a comprehensive Zoning By-law review.

The City will be using internal resources as much as possible for development of the Glenwood PDO and public engagement.

If approved by Council, a PDO for Glenwood is anticipated to take effect in late 2022.