New Zoning Regulations in British Columbia Aim to Increase Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing

The British Columbia government has introduced new legislation aimed at increasing small-scale, multi-unit housing in the province by forcing municipalities to change zoning rules to make it easier to build townhomes, multiplexes, and laneway houses[5]. The proposed legislation and forthcoming regulations will permit one secondary suite or one laneway home (accessory dwelling unit) in all communities throughout B.C. [3]. Within municipalities of more than 5,000 people, zoning will allow for three to four units in select areas on single-family or duplex lots, depending on lot size[5]. The changes would apply to municipalities with populations over 5,000, and the province says local governments are expected to update their bylaws to accommodate the new zoning requirements by the end of June next year[1]. New legislation will also compel municipalities to update community plans and zoning bylaws every five years. A deadline of June 30, 2024, has been set for local governments to bring current bylaws into compliance with the province[5].

The proposed zoning changes aim to create more small-scale and multi-unit housing in B.C. and to fix zoning problems and deliver more homes for people, faster[3]. Historical zoning rules in many B.C. communities have led most new housing to be built mostly in the form of condos or single-family homes that are out of reach for many people, leaving a shortage of options for the types of housing in between[3]. The province estimates the initiatives could create 130,000 new, small-scale homes over the next decade[1].

The new zoning regulation is currently in effect, and local governments are expected to update their bylaws to accommodate the new zoning requirements by the end of June next year[1].

Citations:

[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/multi-unit-housing-bc-1.7025796

[2] https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/planning-land-use/land-use-regulation/zoning-bylaws

[3] https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PREM0062-001706

[4] https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/regulation-redesign-simplifying-rules-for-building.aspx

[5] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/new-legislation-promises-small-scale-multi-unit-housing-in-b-c-1.7015611

[6] https://youtube.com/watch?v=ow4P-7priXs