What is the purpose of the Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) Bylaw?

The OSRD bylaw is intended to promote residential development that preserves open space and is respectful of the land’s existing topography and natural features. Although the overall density of an OSRD is identical to that allowed by the underlying zoning (i.e. 1-acre lots, half-acre lots etc.), the houses are ‘clustered’ on the portion of the site that is most suitable for development. This allows for the preservation, in perpetuity, of the remaining land on the parcel as open space.