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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP-63-80 iq, ff CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT D.N.SMITH,M.C.I.P.,Director HAMPTON,ONTARIO LOB 1JO TEL. (416)263-2231 REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 14, 1980. REPORT NO. : P-63-80 SUBJECT: Residential Floor Area Requirements Darlington Zoning By-law Our File: Z-0-10-1 BACKGROUND: On February 18, 1980, Mr. G. Polley, representing the Cross family, appeared before the Planning and Development Committee re- garding the size of dwellings required in an "agricultural" zone under the Darlington Restricted Area By-law. Mr. Polley indicated that the Cross family "felt that the requirement of 1750 square feet for a single family residence was too large considering the conservation of energy and the initial cost of construction and the upkeep, mainten- ance and taxes". (Minutes of February 18, 1980 meeting.) The Planning and Development Committee adopted the following resol- ution: "That the delegation be acknowledged and the matter referred to the Director of Planning to report back to the Committee how this matter may be addressed." IN c 1OWN CASTLE (�� NEW 2 - COMMENT: Staff have reviewed the provisions of the Darlington Zoning By-law and note that By-law 2111, approved in 1959 required a floor area of 1500 square feet for residential units in the agricultural zone. In 1969, the by-law was amended to require a floor area of 1750 square feet. The amendment was approved essentially for two reasons: 1. To discourage proliferation of residential units on relatively small agricultural parcels. 2. To provide a higher tax base to offset relatively higher service costs in the rural area. Staff note that the former Township of Clarke used a similar method in the rural area allowing a 1200 square foot dwelling unit but on an agricultural parcel of 40 acres minimum area. In respect of potential tax revenues, staff have prepared an estimate of the difference in 1979 tax revenues on residential build- ings of 1750 square feet and 1200 square feet. A copy of the Treasurer's memorandum in this respect is attached for information purposes. In respect of the other considerations raised by Mr. Polley, staff note that higher construction costs and maintenance expenses are dis- incentives to the construction of residential units in the rural area and relate to the two points listed above. In respect of energy conser- vation, staff feel that there would probably be savings in energy through the construction of smaller residences, however, energy conservation de- pends on a wide range of factors including unit siting, exterior design, insulation and heating facilities to name a few. In terms of overall energy conservation, there is a considerable volume of literature related tiwv ) 3 - to energy conservation and urban form. The point has been made that significant reductions in energy consumption can be achievedthrough the development of compact settlement areas whereby travelling distances and the costs of providing services are reduced. At this time staff feel it would be preferable for the question of minimum floor space requirements to be examined in the context of a completely new set of comprehensive zoning standards for the agri- ultural areas in Newcastle. In this regard, staff note that the Town is charged with the responsibility of preparing zoning by-laws in conform- ity with the Durham Regional Official Plan and that upon completion of the required District Plans the preparation of a comprehensive zoning by-law would be appropriate. Staff will be examining all aspects of the agricultural zoning at that time. Staff note that it is possible for Mr. Polley/Mr. & Mrs. Cross to apply for a minor variance to the provisions of the zoning by-law through the Committee of Adjustment. RECOMMENDATI0N: That the Planning and Development Committee receive this report for information. Respectfully submitted, DNS:lb D. N. Smith, M.C.I.P. March 27, 1980 Director of Planning L M E M O R A N D U M T0: D.N. Smith, M.C.I.P. , Director of Planning '- -0 FROM: Klaas Degroot, C.G.A. , Treasurer DATE: March 20, 1980 SUBJECT: Assessment from Residential Units in Agricultural Zones Your mono of March 3, 1980 .requested an estimate of the difference in taxes between a house of 1750 square feet and one of 1200 square feet. The inherent difficulty in such an estimate is that, generally as size increases the cost per square feet for construction goes down, however as the size increases the level of extra's or luxury appointments increase. I have chosen to asstnne that these factors are largely off setting and that the construction cost differential is $30 per square foot. This results in an assessment differential of $825, which in 1979 taxes represents $198 in taxes broken down as follows: School. $109 Reg ion 43 Municipal 46 $198 I trust that 1 have provided the required information.