Local governments getting more tools and power to increase housing

Legislative amendments are giving local governments more powers to simplify and speed up development approval processes, the Province says.

The amendments will update the Local Government in two ways in an effort to increase British Columbia’s housing supply.

The default requirement for local governments to hold public hearings for zoning bylaw amendments that are consistent with the official community plan will be removed.

However, the proposed amendment requires local governments to provide public notice of the rezoning bylaw before it’s considered at first reading by a municipal council or regional board.

In addition, the changes will enable local governments to delegate decisions on minor development variance permits to staff.

"We are working with local governments, the development sector and housing advocates to streamline local development processes to help get more homes built faster for people," said Josie Osborne, minister of municipal affairs.

"By updating public hearing and certain permit requirements, we are giving local governments more tools to deliver the housing that communities need throughout BC."

The changes were identified during consultation with local governments, housing providers, housing builders and other stakeholders.

"BC local governments have been seeking improvements to streamline development approval processes," said Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, president, Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).

"These amendments to the current legislation provide new options that align with recommendations in UBCM's housing strategy, maintain local government flexibility and will be welcomed by many UBCM members.”

To learn more about these changes, click this link.