Coquitlam tries to tackle issue of ‘monster homes’

The City of Coquitlam is looking for ways to keep so-called “monster homes” in check, but builders say it won’t be easy.

When people want a new house, they don’t want a small, 3,000 square-foot house,” said Thomas Hogge of TDH Homes Ltd. “When the property value is $850,000-$900,000, you’re going to want three storeys–a full basement plus two more storeys.”

The City of Coquitlam says it has to review the evolution of homes in the area and change requirements so homes don’t get too super-sized. Now the city is proposing that second storeys take up a smaller footprint than the main floor in an effort to appease residents who may have their view and the character of their neighbourhood compromised.

Residents are also concerned that property values will be impacted by homes that maximize their lot size.

“It’s true though that local governments who face this can have an enormous effect on the re-sale value of property,” said Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart.

Other municipalities are also grappling with this issue. In West Vancouver and Richmond, officials have looked at limiting the size of homes.

For builders, the proposed changes that were presented at council Monday night are just another building block that they’re going to have to handle.

-With files from Jennifer Palma