There is no lack of large expensive homes in West Vancouver. There is also plenty of expensive condos. What is lacking is smaller affordable homes – especially ground orientated ones. Creating a pilot project of small homes would still be to expensive and do to land availability would probably be remotely located. There is one easy solution. Coach homes on qualifying existing lots. Below are many reasons to consider these:

• Small, rear yard homes would fit onto many existing lots
• Creates affordable homes as land is already owned
• Allows aging in place by giving downsize options
• Retains our current streetscape and smaller bungalows
• Could discourage monster homes and encourage smaller homes with a coach house in the rear.
• Increases density without major loads on our infrastructure
• Increased population helps our small businesses thrive
• Takes advantage of current transit systems
• Builds density close to amenities
• Allows residents to have room for family members
• Allows working families or retired owner the option to earn a rental income
• Increase the much needed rental pool in West Van
• Creates ground orientated housing
• Can add to the vibrancy of West Van
• Is eco friendly due to small building sizes
• Is being adapted or seriously considered by many Metro Vancouver cities.
• Is being successfully done in many cities.
• Can be implemented quickly without big infrastructure changes or the construction of new or large developments with high associated costs.

Zoning considerations:

• Should have the available square footage allowance on the lot. If the lot is currently maxed out with construction then that property should not qualify.
• Should have off street parking available for one extra car
• Should possibly have a height limit of one story above grade with low roofs to prevent the blocking of views.
• Our current accessory building bylaws cover most of the criteria needed with the exception of allowing as a dwelling unit.
• Below grade basements could be allowed and would increase the livable/storage area while keeping the above grade impact of the dwelling to a minimum.
• Allow as a separate address to allow for separate metering of electricity and natural gas.
• Do not allow to be sold separately or have separate titles. Just make them legal for personal or rental usage.

Costs:

Depending on size and a possible basement these could be built for as little as $100,000 to $150,000 since the land is already owned by the homeowner. This would add much needed affordable living to our areas. Certainly much cheaper than $900,000++ for something similar if a new development had to built to construct these in. The reduced cost to build would eventually be passed on to renters in the form of more affordable rent.