The County of Huron releases Residential Intensification Guidelines

Huron County, Ontario – To guide the design of residential intensification projects in the County, the County of Huron Planning Department has developed Residential Intensification Guidelines (RIGS) for use by local developers and municipalities. The guidelines address all residential intensification projects in the County, with an emphasis on multi-unit forms of development, and include a full range of design considerations including site layout, building design, parking, and landscaping.

The document’s goal is to help address local concerns and compatibility in a proactive manner, ensuring that developers understand the goals and expectations of the community and that the community can benefit from increased housing choices. The guidelines are not intended to add time to the development process, rather they are intended to streamline the process by setting clear design objectives and priorities early on so the development community will understand what staff will be looking for when reviewing applications.

The County recognizes the importance of taking action, given the current high costs and low supply of housing. In order to meet the needs of current and future residents, increased density and new housing types are anticipated.  These guidelines will help local municipalities and developers proactively meet those needs and diversify the housing stock in Huron County.

The document will be provided to local municipalities to work with their Planners on how best to incorporate these guidelines into their local development processes.

The guidelines were created with the assistance of MHBC Planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, and Allan Avis Architects. For more information on the Residential Intensification Guidelines, please visit https://www.huroncounty.ca/plandev/county-wide-projects/residential-intensification-guidelines/ or contact Denise Amersfoort, Senior Planner, at dvanamersfoort@huroncounty.ca or 519.524.8394 x3.

Quick Facts:

• The County of Huron’s Planning Department provides services to County Council, local municipal councils, and to the public in the areas of land-use planning and environmental management. Land use planning means managing the use of land and resources.
• Residential Intensification occurs when an existing building, site or area within the existing urban area is developed or redeveloped at a density higher than what currently exists.
• Examples of Intensification include infill housing, additions and renovations to existing buildings, additional residential units, residential conversions, and new community developments.
• Compatible development is not necessarily the same as, or similar to, the existing development, but can coexist with the surrounding area without unacceptable adverse impact.