The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has expressed an interest in exploring options to expand housing opportunities in rural areas while protecting agriculture and Chatham-Kent's rural quality of life. Specifically, the Municipality is interested in considering:
Options that would permit additional detached dwellings in rural areas, including on farm and non-farm properties
Options that would allow the division of non-farm properties in rural areas for new residential uses.
These options would require making changes to Chatham-Kent's existing land use and development policies for rural areas. Currently, agriculturally zoned properties are allowed to develop 1 Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) within the existing dwelling only, including additions, but the construction of a standalone ADU that is not attached to the existing dwelling is not allowed. Existing rural area policies are also restrictive when it comes to dividing non-farm properties for new residential uses.
Any way forward that might allow more housing in rural areas would have to ensure the long-term protection of Chatham-Kent's agricultural industry. Housing and agriculture are local and provincial priorities, yet they often compete with each other. This is a complex issue. A delicate balance is required.
However, before any options are considered, it is important that we hear from you, our farmers and our rural residents, as these policy questions will predominantly and disproportionately impact you, your operations, your succession plans, and your way of life. Urban residents are also welcome to participate in this discussion.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has expressed an interest in exploring options to expand housing opportunities in rural areas while protecting agriculture and Chatham-Kent's rural quality of life. Specifically, the Municipality is interested in considering:
Options that would permit additional detached dwellings in rural areas, including on farm and non-farm properties
Options that would allow the division of non-farm properties in rural areas for new residential uses.
These options would require making changes to Chatham-Kent's existing land use and development policies for rural areas. Currently, agriculturally zoned properties are allowed to develop 1 Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) within the existing dwelling only, including additions, but the construction of a standalone ADU that is not attached to the existing dwelling is not allowed. Existing rural area policies are also restrictive when it comes to dividing non-farm properties for new residential uses.
Any way forward that might allow more housing in rural areas would have to ensure the long-term protection of Chatham-Kent's agricultural industry. Housing and agriculture are local and provincial priorities, yet they often compete with each other. This is a complex issue. A delicate balance is required.
However, before any options are considered, it is important that we hear from you, our farmers and our rural residents, as these policy questions will predominantly and disproportionately impact you, your operations, your succession plans, and your way of life. Urban residents are also welcome to participate in this discussion.
