FAQs
In the midst of housing supply and affordability challenges, the Town is proactively taking steps to implement the Strategic Plan priority of “balanced growth” through a responsible and cautious approach.
Huntsville faces growing demands for housing, including proposals for development of increasing height and density.
We would like the community’s input as we develop Height and Density Evaluation Criteria for these types of proposals, so that we can better preserve Huntsville’s character and natural beauty.
Currently, the maximum permitted height for multiple dwellings (apartment buildings) is 11m and the maximum permitted density is 60 residential units per hectare.
Height and density standards are contained within the Community Planning Permit Bylaw (CPPBL). These standards come from the height and density policies associated with residential and mixed use designations as outlined in the Town’s Official Plan.
Through review of a Community Planning Permit (CPP) application for development proposing height or density increases, Staff and Council are required to consider high-level criteria for evaluating variations, including requirements respecting Community Benefits. A refined set of criteria and guidelines will assist in streamlined reviews for such applications by helping all to understand where additional height and density is appropriate, but also where it’s not. This will also be a tool to help developers understand how to prepare proposals that will minimize impacts, achieve community benefits, and limit review times to address housing needs.
The Height & Density Survey is the first step in public engagement for this process, and community input will inform the evaluation criteria and additional next steps. Survey results will be used to help create a suitability map for use in the development of our Height & Density Evaluation Criteria by the Town’s Planning Department.
Once the Height & Density Evaluation Criteria are drafted, a Public Meeting will be hosted to get further community feedback. The proposed guidelines will then be presented to Council.
What is density?
Density refers to how many units of housing can be built within a specific area of land. Residential density, for example, is usually measured by the number of housing units per hectare. It is a measurement used in land use planning to refer to the number of people living in an urbanized area.
How is height currently measured?
Building Height is typically defined as the vertical distance from the ground level to the roof, measured in meters. Huntsville's definition of height is contained in Section 5 of Community Planning Permit By-law 2022-97, as amended. For this more detailed definition of Height, which includes guidance on how to measure height for various different roof types, please visit this link. See also diagram below.
Why is there going to be increased height and density in Huntsville?
What are the current standards for height and density in Huntsville?
What opportunities are there for public and stakeholder input in the development of Height & Density Criteria? How will this input be used?