When planning multi-unit rental properties in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), meeting regulations for garbage, recycling, and bike storage is a must for approval. With housing demand at an all-time high, HRM prioritizes developments that address these needs upfront. Here's what you need to know:
- Garbage and Recycling: Waste areas must be screened, accessible for collection vehicles, and fit into the site design without obstructing emergency access.
- Bike Storage: Secure, weather-protected storage is required, with options for indoor or outdoor setups based on tenant needs and building layout.
- Integrated Planning: Coordinating architects, engineers, and planners early prevents costly revisions and delays in HRM's review process.
HRM Requirements for Garbage, Recycling, and Bike Storage
Municipal By-laws and Planning Standards
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) sets clear rules for waste management and bike storage in multi-unit properties through its Land Use By-law. Understanding these guidelines is essential for creating designs that meet standards and avoid costly revisions.
For waste management, the by-law emphasizes discreet integration of storage areas into the overall site design. Garbage and recycling bins must be screened from public view using durable materials that complement the property. These storage areas need to be easily accessible for collection vehicles without obstructing emergency services.
When it comes to bike storage, the focus is on providing secure, weather-protected options. Site plans must demonstrate solutions that safeguard bicycles from theft and exposure to the elements, meeting HRM's specific requirements.
What to Include in Your Site Plan Submission
To meet HRM's standards, your site plan submission must clearly document your design choices. A detailed and well-organized submission is key to ensuring a smooth approval process. Here’s what to include:
- Waste Storage Layout: Provide a layout showing the placement of enclosures and access points for collection vehicles.
- Screening Material Specifications: Detail the materials used for screening to ensure waste storage areas are accessible yet visually unobtrusive.
- Bike Storage Plans: Include floor plans outlining the design, security features, and weather protection measures for bike storage.
- Additional Site Considerations: Address factors like drainage, landscaping, and accessibility during winter months.
Thorough documentation of these elements not only demonstrates compliance but also supports an integrated planning approach that aligns with HRM's expectations.
How to Design Garbage and Recycling Systems That Pass Review
Creating an efficient waste management system means carefully considering container placement, storage options, and materials to meet regulations while addressing tenant needs.
Where to Place Containers for Easy Access and Collection
For residential properties, place waste containers in spots that make it simple to move them to the roadside on collection days[2]. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) offers guidance to help property owners design waste systems that meet municipal collection standards. For apartment complexes, HRM provides direct support to ensure container placement works for both efficient collection and tenant convenience.
Indoor vs Outdoor Waste Storage
Deciding between indoor and outdoor waste storage depends on your building's layout and HRM’s requirements. Indoor storage is ideal for buildings with garbage chutes, where clear signage for waste sorting is essential[3]. On the other hand, outdoor storage works well for properties using HRM’s green cart system, as it simplifies roadside collection.
Choosing Materials and Enclosure Types
When selecting materials, ensure they align with Halifax's waste management guidelines. Use commercial-grade containers for items like blue bag recyclables, paper, cardboard, organics, and garbage[3]. Clear sorting labels can be obtained from Halifax Solid Waste, which also offers signs, workshops, and waste assessments to support your efforts. Additionally, consider incorporating bike storage solutions into your overall waste management design for a seamless approach.
Bike Storage Solutions That Meet HRM Standards
Bike storage is an important consideration for multi-unit properties in Halifax. The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) planning standards require that site plans include proper bike storage facilities. Addressing these needs early on can help property owners avoid delays and costly revisions during the approval process. Below, we'll dive into indoor and outdoor bike storage options and discuss key security features to meet HRM's requirements.
Indoor vs Outdoor Bike Storage Options
When it comes to bike storage, property owners can choose between indoor and outdoor options, each with its own advantages. Indoor bike storage offers better protection from weather and increased security, making it a popular choice in areas with harsh conditions. On the other hand, outdoor bike storage provides easier access for tenants and can be a more budget-friendly solution.
To make the most of your space:
- For indoor storage, consider creating a dedicated room or repurposing underused areas while ensuring they are secure and well-lit.
- For outdoor storage, focus on proper drainage and weatherproofing to protect bikes from the elements.
The decision will largely depend on the building's layout, tenant needs, and budget.
Security and Access Features for Bike Storage
A well-thought-out bike storage solution should combine convenience with robust security to encourage tenants to use it regularly. Here are some key features to consider:
- Secure access systems: Tools like key fobs or coded entry systems can help restrict access and maintain safety.
- Individual storage options: Shared bike rooms can benefit from individual lockers or anchor points, allowing tenants to secure their bikes with personal locks.
- Lighting: Well-placed lighting in both indoor and outdoor storage areas enhances security and creates a more welcoming environment.
As e-bikes become increasingly popular, integrating charging stations into your bike storage design can be a valuable amenity for tenants. Additionally, ensure the storage area has enough clearance for cleaning equipment and accessible drainage to prevent maintenance issues down the line.
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How Coordinated Planning Prevents Delays and Revisions
When property owners take a piecemeal approach to constructing multi-unit properties, they often run into a common problem: waste management and bike storage end up as last-minute considerations, leading to expensive revisions during HRM reviews.
This fragmented approach creates predictable headaches. Picture this: an architect designs a sleek bike storage area but doesn't consult the engineer about structural needs. Meanwhile, a planner submits waste management layouts without checking with the construction team about how collection trucks will access the site. When HRM reviewers catch these mismatches, property owners are left dealing with delays and costly redesigns. A design-build approach, on the other hand, offers a single point of accountability, integrating waste management and bike storage into the overall site plan. This kind of teamwork not only smooths out the design process but also helps avoid conflicts during reviews.
Why Single-Point Accountability Works Better
Under the traditional construction model, property owners often find themselves juggling the roles of project manager, trying to coordinate six or more independent professionals. This fragmented setup tends to lead to inefficiencies and errors, which is the opposite of what HRM wants - efficient, error-free site plans.
Take waste management planning as an example. In a fragmented setup, the architect might focus on creating an attractive waste enclosure, the engineer on ensuring structural stability, and the planner on meeting municipal guidelines. But operational details, like truck turning radii or winter access, can slip through the cracks.
When these professionals work independently, the result is often budget overruns of 30–60% and project timelines that balloon from eight months to over 18 months. The issue isn't a lack of skill - it’s the challenge of trying to coordinate multiple contractors who aren’t naturally aligned or incentivized to collaborate.
Some firms have tackled this problem by bringing planners, architects, engineers, and construction teams under one roof. This integrated approach eliminates the blame game because everyone is working toward the same goals. By designing waste management and bike storage systems as a cohesive team, property owners avoid the inefficiencies that plague fragmented projects.
The Nova Scotia government has also recognized the benefits of this approach through its "trusted partner program" for qualified developers in HRM. This program fast-tracks services for developers with strong track records of submitting high-quality projects and working with certified professionals [1]. It’s a system that rewards coordinated planning and avoids the pitfalls of relying on disconnected contractors.
Getting Waste and Bike Storage Right From the Start
Recent changes to HRM regulations reinforce the need for integrated planning. For example, the municipality is now removing onsite parking requirements for developments in urban service areas, freeing up valuable space that can be better allocated to essential services like garbage, recycling, and bike storage [1].
This shift further highlights the importance of coordinated planning. When design and construction teams collaborate from the outset, they can optimize site layouts to take full advantage of the reduced parking requirements while ensuring compliance with HRM standards for waste management and bike storage.
Addressing these needs early in the design process is crucial to avoiding costly revisions later. For bike storage, this means including features like covered, lockable enclosures with permanently anchored racks, lockable bicycle rooms, or permanently anchored bicycle lockers directly into the architectural and engineering plans [4]. Incorporating these elements from the start ensures smoother approvals and fewer delays.
Coordinated teams also excel at designing waste management systems that consider operational needs. This includes planning truck access routes, positioning containers for easy collection while maintaining aesthetic appeal, and ensuring proper drainage around waste storage areas to prevent water buildup.
The broader policy environment supports this integrated approach. As Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Lohr put it:
"In order to truly address this housing crisis, we need to ensure that increasing supply is a key focus in the municipal planning process and the prime consideration in development decisions. These regulations will ensure that happens." [1]
This regulatory framework rewards property owners who deliver well-designed, compliant projects efficiently. Coordinated planning aligns perfectly with HRM's goals of streamlining approvals while upholding essential standards for waste management and bike storage.
Conclusion: Steps to Get Your HRM Site Plan Approved
Getting approval for multi-unit properties in HRM involves a clear and organized process.
Start by understanding HRM's requirements. Before diving into design work, take the time to review municipal by-laws for waste management and bike storage. Knowing the rules for container placement and bike storage upfront can save you from costly redesigns later.
Focus on practical, real-world designs. Waste management systems should account for everyday use, including collection access, winter weather, and operational efficiency. Similarly, bike storage needs to be secure, accessible, and well-protected. A well-thought-out site plan ties these operational details together, ensuring everything works smoothly.
Plan collaboratively to avoid issues. Adopting an integrated design-build approach - where architects, engineers, and planners work together - helps identify and resolve potential conflicts early. This teamwork can save time and prevent delays during the approval process.
FAQs
What are the HRM requirements for including garbage and recycling areas in a site plan?
In the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), multi-unit residential buildings are required to follow waste management rules outlined in Bylaw S-600. This means having designated spaces for sorting garbage, recycling, organics, paper, and cardboard.
To get your site plan approved, these waste collection areas need to be easy to access, clearly marked, and capable of handling the amount of waste tenants produce. Ensuring bins are placed properly with enough room for collection is key to meeting both the bylaw and the practical demands of waste management.
What steps can property owners take to ensure their bike storage meets HRM's security and weather protection standards?
To align with Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) standards for bike storage, property owners should prioritize security and protection from the elements. Start by ensuring the storage area is well-lit and easy to access. Equip it with sturdy racks or lockers that allow tenants to securely lock their bikes. Using tough, tamper-resistant materials for fixtures can add an extra layer of safety.
When it comes to weather protection, a covered or enclosed space is essential to guard bikes against rain, snow, and other harsh conditions. Opt for materials that resist rust and corrosion, keeping in mind Canada’s unpredictable climate. Good ventilation and proper drainage are also important to prevent moisture build-up, which could otherwise lead to damage over time. By meeting these standards, property owners not only comply with HRM regulations but also create a more appealing and tenant-friendly property.
What are the advantages of planning waste management and bike storage together for multi-unit properties in HRM?
Integrating waste management and bike storage into the design of multi-unit properties can bring a range of advantages. By addressing these components early in your site planning, you can meet Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) regulations, reduce the risk of expensive redesigns, and simplify the approval process.
A thoughtfully designed waste management system not only keeps the property tidy and well-organized but also boosts tenant satisfaction. Meanwhile, convenient and secure bike storage encourages tenants to opt for eco-friendly transportation. Together, these elements can elevate the desirability of your property, making it more appealing to renters and supporting its long-term viability.
