The City is occasionally asked to intervene in private property issues on behalf of a property owner adjacent to an ongoing development, due to concerns regarding actual or potential damages; neighbourhood disturbance; or other construction impact issues. While all forms of development can cause disruptions to neighbourhoods, many issues and complaints in recent years tend to take place around low to medium density infill residential projects, such as single family houses, Heritage Revitalization Agreement projects, Housing Choices projects, and townhouse developments.
Redevelopment in an existing neighbourhood can bring many benefits to the community. By being aware and respectful of neighbours, communicating with them effectively and following good development and construction practices, potential problems or disruptions, disturbances and delays can be avoided.
Good Neighbour Development Policy
The City’s Good Neighbour Development Policy. The Policy places greater onus on the developer to follow City bylaws, regulations, and policies; encourages early and ongoing communication between the developer and the neighbourhood they are working in; and helps to protect and enhance the health of existing neighbourhoods and the natural environment.
The policy formalizes a notification process for developers to contact and inform neighbours about the work that will be taking place. Before developers receive a building permit or demolition permit:
- Developers proceeding through early planning stages of a project (e.g. pre-application, rezoning, development permit, or subdivision) will be informed of the policy
- If their permit application is successful, developers receive a copy of the policy and a template letter to send to neighbours
- Developers sign a declaration stating that they will abide by the requirements of the policy
Please refer to the following Reports and Documents: