Rocky View councillors have approved a bylaw that will allow accessory dwellings units, or secondary suites, on agricultural and country residential properties.

The decision came after a mail-in survey to residents, public hearings and years of research was conducted, but was nevertheless one that remains controversial.

Springbank-area Coun. Mitch Yurchak originally said he was opposed to the amendment because it could apply to two-acre lots, and he believed the minimum should be four.

“I truly believe that as Rocky View has grown,” he said.

“We have such uniqueness between Balzac and Bragg Creek and we need to start recognizing that.”

He added if someone was to build a second building on a two-acre lot “you might as well be building a subdivision.”

“This kind of thing causes problems in our community.”

Springbank resident Arlene Vermey agreed.

“There is enough tension between some neighbours on location of houses without adding additional buildings,” she said.

But Reeve Lois Habberfield said for most people “it’s more important to look after their relatives than that their place is aesthetically pleasing.”

“We’re seeking to provide a greater diversity of housing in Rocky View,” she said.

County staff began researching the possibilities of secondary dwellings two years ago as a potential means to bring diverse living and helping families with other alternative housing strategies.

Many residents spoke in favour of the proposed amendments.

“I’m a daughter, mother and grandmother,” said Lucinda Warnock.

“We’re in a situation where over the years the family unit has been pulled apart and we need to see it pulled together again,” adding she wanted to be able to have her aging parents live in their own dwelling on her property.

Architectural guidelines have been developed to mitigate impact on neighbours and the landscape.

Accessory  dwellings must also conform to sanitary and water servicing standards.

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