Calgary Council Debates R-CG Zoning Changes

0:00Calgary City Council is debating major changes to the residential grade-oriented infill district, or RCG, zoning right in the middle of a push-to. Repeal the city's blanket rezoning policy. That policy switched to most residential areas to RCG back in August 2024, allowing up to four units plus four secondary suites, property like row houses and townhomes. Earlier this week, Ward 2 Counselor Jennifer Wynas proposed tweaks to address concerns, including banning mid-block row houses and townhomes, limiting them to the first three lots at block ends. The plan also cuts density from 75 to 60 units per hectare, cabing it at three units plus three suites, drops lot coverage to 55%, sets a 10 meter height limit, and adds setback rules. Counselors like Ward 4's DJ Kelly Highlight frustrations in their areas, especially with parking shortages from mid-block builds packing in four, units plus suites.

1:00Mayor Jerome Farcus notes surprise that these zoning tweaks aren't getting more spotlight amid the repeal talk, while locals and builders call for better consultation to avoid rushed decisions. Builders from the Calgary Inner City Builders Association warn that three unit projects under the new rules aren't financially viable potentially. Hiking costs by $143,000 per unit due to spread out fixed expenses. They want a stakeholder committee to review it all, pointing to Edmonton's recent rejection of a similar cap. With around 475 people signed up to speak at the ongoing public hearing, a repeal would roll back the land used by law to pre-blanket levels, sparing only approved or in-review permits after enabling 4,500 units since August in 106. 155 just this year. That's the story for today. Vancouver News Today, Driven by AI