3. CITY OF WINDSOR OFFICIAL PLAN
The subject property is presently designated ‘Mixed Use’ in the Official Plan for the City of Windsor. The following sections review policies as they relate to the request for the conversion of 2 commercial units to 2 residential units on the main floor to create 6 residential units as an adaptive re-use within a long-established building.
“ Section 2 Glossary;
DEVELOPMENT PROFILE refers to the height of a building or structure. There are four development profiles described in the Plan:
(a) Low Profile development is a building or structure generally no greater than fourteen (14) metres in height. Low Profile Housing development is further classified as follows; (i) small scale forms: single detached, semi-detached, duplex, and row and multiplexes with up to 8 units; and (ii) large scale forms: buildings with more than 8 units;”
COMMENT:
The existing building profile consists of a two storey building with 4 residential units on the second floor and 2 commercial units on the main floor. The building is not capable of accommodating more than 4 residential units on the second floor and the conversion of the 2 main floor commercial units to 2 residential apartments.
The maximum number of residential units in the building will be 6 units, classifying the building as: Low Profile, Small Scale built form.
“Section 3.2.1.2 Development Strategies
“Encouraging a range of housing types will ensure that people have an opportunity to live in their neighbourhoods as they pass through the various stages of their lives.
Residents will have a voice in how this new housing fits within their neighbourhood. As the city grows, more housing opportunities will mean less sprawl onto agricultural and natural lands.”
COMMENT:
The building is historically existing with residential on the second floor and commercial on the main floor. The commercial units are not viable commercial spaces and are of the age that they require upgrading and renovations. The conversion of the commercial main floor to residential will allow for additional residential apartment units in the neighbourhood, providing for an alternative residential unit.