The city is proposing a major overhaul of its Zoning bylaw - the set of regulations that determine what can be built without seeking specific permissions from the city. Secondary plans such as the soon to be approved Lincoln Fields Secondary Plan will also make further changes to the rules on what can be built.
These changes aim to implement the intensification goals outlined in the recently approved Official Plan for the City of Ottawa and promote a more livable and sustainable city. The Official Plan allows for higher densities in areas such as Woodpark that are close to major corridors, hubs and near rapid transit stations.
The new bylaw introduces a system of Neighbourhood Zone and Subzones. The Zones regulate the maximum height and density of the buildings. The subzones regulate the lot width, front, rear and side yard setback (ie the amount of land that can’t be built upon). The proposed new bylaws will allow the building of four households or more on each serviced residential lot in the city. This is a notable change.
How will this affect Woodpark?
The proposed new bylaws will allow for significantly increased density on Woodroffe between Richmond and Carling with the highest density near the easternmost Carling/Woodroffe intersection. It is expected that the Lincoln Fields Secondary Plan will also increase the density along Carling Avenue and Edgeworth Ave. The rest of Woodpark will experience a smaller but significant increase in density.
Most of the interior of Woodpark will be zoned as N3B - which is considered Very Urban. This zoning will allow building heights to rise from 8 to 11 metres; Minimum lot widths will decrease to 7.5 metres and minimum front yard setback will be 3 metres. The targeted density is very high at 12 units per standard lot (15 by 30 metres or 50 by 100 feet). There will also be new provisions to allow multiple buildings on a single lot to encourage creative development solutions.
These changes to the Bylaws and the development that follows will have significant impacts on the infrastructure in and around Woodpark such as sewage, drinking water, green space, roads, sidewalks, parking control and traffic safety measures that will need to be addressed by the City. The bylaws themselves are not designed to address these impacts.
Other notable changes:
Car sharing: This will be allowed in all residential zones, promoting alternative transportation options.
Tree preservation: Reduced setbacks can be granted to accommodate mature trees, with lost building area potentially recouped elsewhere on the property.
Shelter access: The bylaw allows for emergency housing shelters in neighbourhood zones, promoting a more inclusive city. Previously, shelters were limited to specific area in the city
Group homes and Rooming houses: These will be permitted in neighbourhood zones.
Focus on family units: Mid and high-rise buildings will be required to dedicate a portion of units to families (3 bedrooms)
Stay Informed and Engaged
For more information: Check out the documents and maps at New Zoning By-law | Engage Ottawa. You can also register for a virtual inform session for Ward 7 (Bay Ward) on Wednesday August 21. The public comment period for the draft bylaws is open until the Fall of 2024.
Remember: When making decisions about your property, it is important to consult with industry professionals and conduct thorough due diligence.
Have questions or want to learn more? Feel free to reach out to the Woodpark Community Association so we can discuss the upcoming changes and implications for our community together!
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