What is a Restrictive Covenant?
A restrictive covenant (RC) is a private contract between neighbours that is registered against their land titles. The primary goal of the restrictive covenant is to limit properties to one home plus a secondary suite and to prevent the subdivision of lots. The contents of an RC depend on the agreement made between the neighbours. The restrictive covenant creates a private property right that runs with the land. Signing onto a restrictive covenant is voluntary.
Restrictive covenants are not new and have been around for over 100 years in Calgary. Before zoning bylaws became the norm, RCs were used to identify architectural guidelines and what types of land uses and buildings could be built on each street in a community.
Restrictive covenants are a way for neighbours to preserve the distinct residential character of their area of Varsity and restrict the type of development on their local streets. Many people feel that blanket rezoning and other planning policies are putting this character at risk. Residents who elect to apply a restrictive covenant to their property are helping their neighbours and themselves by protecting the features they enjoy in their community.
