The Province is introducing new housing legislation to deliver more small-scale, multi-unit housing for people, including townhomes, triplexes and laneway homes, and fix outdated zoning rules to help build more homes faster.
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As of November 30, 2023, public hearings are no longer permitted for zoning amendments for residential developments that are consistent with the official community plan. This places more of an emphasis on public input during the creation of an official community plan and not during individual rezoning applications.
By June 30, 2024, zoning amendments must be adopted to allow for Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) in communities greater than 5,000 in population. Four dwelling units are outright permitted on existing serviced lots larger than 280m2 (0.069 acre) that are currently zoned for single family or duplex use.
By December 31, 2024, an interim housing needs report must be completed and project out to 20 years. It requires updating every 5 years.
By December 31, 2025, a new Official Community Plan must be adopted and project out to 20 years. It requires updating every 5 years and must integrate the findings from the housing needs report. A zoning amendment bylaw will also be required in parallel with the new Official Community Plan.
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) refers to a range of buildings and dwelling unit configurations that can provide more affordable and attainable housing for middle-income families. Examples of SSMUH include, but are not limited to:
secondary suites in single-family dwellings;
detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), like garden suites or laneway homes;
duplexes (side-by-side or up/down);
triplexes and house-plexes; and
townhomes.
For more information and resources: Small-scale, multi-unit housing - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Single-family detached homes are out of reach for many people in a growing number of BC communities. However, zoning regulations that exclusively permit single-family detached homes often cover 70-85% of the privately held residential land base in communities. Not only are less expensive multi-unit forms of housing not permitted in most areas of our communities, but they are also subjected to more layers of process and regulations like rezoning and design requirements.
The Province considers that the current approach to zoning regulations limits the diversity of housing supply required in BC communities. Through the SSMUH legislation, the Province is aiming to increase housing supply, create more diverse housing choices, and over time, contribute to more affordable housing across BC.
All existing single family and duplex zoned properties will be consolidated into a single RS1 (Residential Low Density 1) zone for clarity and simplicity.
These properties will be able to have up to four units of any configuration, such as:
- Four-unit townhouse
- Two houses with suites
- Four small houses
Duplex with suites
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The province has produced a SSMUH policy manual which provides recommendations for parking, setbacks, building heights and other provisions that must be considered during the preparation of the required zoning amendments. The policy manual can be found here. Provincial Policy Manual & Site Standards: Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing (gov.bc.ca)
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