Cohousing-L Mailing List: Pro-co-housing Legislation?

[Paul Weber (cheza]

Hi all,

Our community is in the midst of a big struggle with neighbours who live
behind us who are trying to pressure the municipal government into doing a
study on co-housing.  This might not be a bad thing except that what they
want out of it is zoning legislation to limit the development of co-housing
(no expansion, no building a common house)and control how communities
operate (e.g. no outdoor meetings, no common space for our children).  While
it is unlikely they will achieve these goals they are creating immense
tension and sadness in our community, which is struggling to get started.

We will likely have to talk to City planners soon.  I'm wondering if people
know of municipalities that have any legislation encouraging co-housing or
where "independent" studies have been done on the impact of co-housing on
surrounding communities. Such info would be very helpful.

cheers,
Paul Weber
Terra Firma
Ottawa, Canada