Sarnia’s draft zoning by-law and its implications for 4-plexes
The proposed zoning by-law in Sarnia could reshape housing development, with strict requirements potentially limiting the feasibility of 4-plexes and other multi-family options. What does this mean for the city’s housing future?
Sarnia’s new zoning by-law could have a significant impact on residential development in the city, particularly for multi-family housing. The current draft imposes strict requirements for lot size and frontage, effectively excluding 4-plexes and other multi-family housing options.
For example, properties currently listed on Realtor.ca highlight how the proposed by-law would render some existing multi-family properties non-conforming. A triplex at 176 Christina Street South sits on a lot measuring 522.43 m², well below the by-law’s minimum lot size of 840 m² for triplexes. Its frontage of 11.5 meters also falls short of the required 21 meters. Similarly, a duplex at 162 John Street meets the lot size requirement but does not meet the 18-meter frontage requirement, with only 14.3 meters of frontage. These examples demonstrate how the by-law’s restrictive parameters could limit the potential for multi-family housing in certain areas.