The Province of BC has introduced new legislation that aims to increase the delivery of more small-scale multi-unit homes like townhomes, triplexes and laneway homes.
The announcement also includes updates to “outdated” zoning rules.
According to the province, historical zoning rules in many BC communities have led to most new housing being in the form of condos or single-family homes that are “out of reach for many people.”
The province says this has contributed to a shortage of options for “middle” housing.
It also says zoning barriers and layers of regulations, which can make for a complicated building process, which further slows down the delivery of housing across the province.
Under the new legislation, local governments will need to allow a minimum of one secondary suite or detached accessory dwelling in all single-family/duplex residential zones.
They will also need to allow a minimum of three to four dwelling units in selected areas zoned exclusively for single-family homes or duplexes if the lot is intended to be 280 square metres.
The legislation would require cities to allow a minimum of six dwellings on larger lots that close to transit stop with frequent service.
The proposed legislation would apply to parcels of land within urban containment boundaries or municipalities over 5,000 people.
Premier David Eby says the outdated zoning rules are making it harder for people to find a place to live.
“Constructing mostly high-rise condo towers or single-family homes means BC isn’t building enough small-scale multi-unit homes that fit into existing neighbourhoods and give people more housing options that are within reach,” Ebay said in a statement.
Municipalities covered by the legislation may allow additional density if desired, but cannot have bylaws that allow for fewer permitted units than the provincial legislation.
Local governments will need to have their bylaws updated by the end of June 2024.
A release from the government said they will be issuing a policy manual in December to help local governments move through the process as well as $51 million in funding by early 2024.
New proposed changes will also phase out one-off public hearings for rezonings for housing projects that are consistent and aligned with the official community plans.
A second component included in the legislation includes all local government being required to update their housing needs reports with outlooks for 20 years and update their official community plans every five years.
The release from the province says a preliminary analysis shows that BC could see more than 130,000 new small-scale multi-unit homes built over the next decade.
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