FAQ about the Ottawa SCA approach
- What does the Ottawa Approach regulate?
- The Ottawa approach regulates the character of low-rise residential development (four stories or less) to reflect the establish character of the streetscapes.
- How are the SCA rules applied?
- The rules are applied as an "overlay" to a particular area in the city. On top of the regular zoning requirements, this overlay covers mature neighbourhood, adding the SCA requirement to development in these areas.
- Why is the Ottawa Approach one to copy?
- It’s an innovative transparent approach that is accessible for the community to help understand the character of mature neighbourhoods.
- The Ottawa approach has been defended at the Ontario Municipal Board, the independent, quasi-judicial, administrative tribunal responsible for handling appeals of land-use planning disputes.