The proposed changes do not change the allowable number of units on a lot. These changes would accommodate higher value forms of infill that tend to coincide with increasing property values. Studies have found that infill housing does not change surrounding property values. However, poorly maintained properties have been found to bring down property values.  

The proposed changes would have the same or less of an impact on parking compared to the uses already allowed in the RT-District. The proposed changes allow for two narrow homes or three row-houses on a lot where semi-detached homes, duplexes and threeplexes are already permitted.

Row housing is currently a permitted use in the RT district (referred to in the bylaw as Multi-Attached Row/Street Oriented). On a typical lot size, they require a variance. Variances are a regulated part of the Development Permit process. The change does not increase the allowable density, as someone could develop a threeplex without a variance on the site. Infill housing is residential redevelopment of a previously developed lot, it does not necessarily increase density. The proposed changes do not increase the allowable density. 

The proposed changes are intended to encourage a variety of housing options. The first Guiding Principle of the Hillside Area Revitalization Plan is "Create a wide range of housing choices such as townhouses, row-houses, and apartment buildings that are thoughtfully integrated into the neighborhood through site and architectural design ." The impacted area in Hillside is currently zoned RT and is designated as low/medium density residential in the plan. Both the bylaw and the HARP indicate single-detached, as well as row-housing in these areas. The proposed changes include an amendment to the HARP, so that row-houses would not require a variance to the sideyard setback. Development would continue to be regulated by the design standards in the plan. 

The Residential Transition District is a land use zoning. It establishes the standards for what can be built in the areas where it applies. It is used in mature neighbourhoods where there are opportunities for infill development.

Infill development is constructing something new in a previously built-up area. In the case of the proposed changes this is when new housing is constructed where there was housing before.

The proposed changes will allow for different types of homes to be constructed. It will make it possible to build narrow houses and will make it easier to develop row houses. It will not change the allowed densities.

These changes will only apply to properties that are zoned Residential Transition and that have rear-lane access. 

The proposed changes do not increase the allowable density so they will not have more of a parking impact than what is currently allowed. These proposed changes are only allowed where parking is provided off of a rear-lane. This will create more on-street parking. The only proposed change to parking standards is increasing the number of stalls required for row housing when shared visitor parking is not provided.

The proposed changes require that parking be provided off of a rear-lane. This will preserve more space in the front yard and boulevard for landscaping.