Ottawa's planning committee unanimously passed a report that changes how infill housing projects are built, particularly when it comes to how much space is devoted to parking spots and garages.

The report recommends some existing guidelines for developers – when building infill homes in established neighbourhoods – become enforceable bylaws.

The proposed rules for infill homes in the city's core would require minimum set-backs for front yards and require front yards not dedicated to a driveway or walkway to be "soft landscaped" with grass or gardens.

The rules would also limit the number of parking spots a home could have in the front yard, depending on the width of the property.

Developers upset over new rules

Developers appeared at city hall Tuesday and asked the committee to defer the report, saying they questioned the city's legal authority to govern carports and garages with bylaws.

Miguel Tremblay, who speaks for several developers, says his clients are building homes with prominent garages because that's what families want.

"The building industry feels it will undermine their ability to provide good quality housing that responds to the needs of the market," said Tremblay.

Councillors said developers haven't been following the guidelines, which is why city staff have had to take the next step to give infill rules some teeth.

Kitchissippi councillor Katherine Hobbs said rapid infill has hurt the character of some of her neighbourhoods.

"What areas are going to be left to protect ... just have a look this isn't Barrhaven," said Hobbs. "This is where we live in the urban wards and this is where the guidelines are suppose to be protecting us."

Community associations welcome report

Community associations welcomed the staff report and say changes are long overdue.

"You have to learn to live like we do if you're moving into our community," said Linda Hoad, the co-chairwoman of the Hintonburg Community Association's zoning committee. "If you want an attached garage you have to go somewhere where they are the norm."

Rosaline Hill, an architect who helped design dozens of infill homes, was part of an industry group the city turned to for input and called the process disappointing.

She said in advance of the committee meeting the report goes too far trying to preserve green space in the front of new units.

"It makes it impossible for anybody to have a little patio space that's paved or a decorative walkway," said Hill. "A lot of just natural landscaping won't be allowed any more and it's very extreme and illogical."

The report will go before council later this month.