Today the BC govt announced legislation to increase density and improve permit approvals. More small-scale, multi-unit homes coming to B.C., zoning barriers removed | BC Gov News
“The proposed legislation and forthcoming regulations will permit one secondary suite or one laneway home (accessory dwelling unit) in all communities throughout B.C. “In most areas within municipalities of more than 5,000 people, these changes will also require bylaws to allow for:
- three to four units permitted on lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use, depending on lot size;
- six units permitted on larger lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use and close to transit stops with frequent service.
Municipalities covered by the legislation may permit additional density if desired, but cannot have bylaws that allow for fewer permitted units than the provincial legislation.
The legislation will also speed up local housing development approvals, by shifting local planning and zoning processes to happen up front. It will require municipalities throughout B.C. to expedite and streamline permitting by updating community plans and zoning bylaws on a regular basis, to ensure that they have enough housing to meet the needs of both their current and future residents. This will help create more certainty for both community members and home builders.
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. Instead, there will be more frequent opportunities for people to be involved in shaping their communities earlier in the process when official community plans are updated.”
- December 2023 – SSMUH policy manual and site standards provided to local governments.
- January 2024 – HNR instructions provided to local governments.
- January/February 2024 – Details announced for $51 million funding allocation.
- June 30, 2024 – Local governments must have updated their bylaws to accommodate SSMUH requirements
- June/July 2024 – OCP/zoning review/update instructions provided to municipalities.
- Jan. 1, 2025 (date subject to regulation) – Local governments must have completed their interim HNR.
- Dec. 31, 2025 (date subject to regulation) – Municipalities must have completed their first review and update of their OCPs and zoning bylaws (based on interim HNR).
VRBA has spent years outlining the challenges of obstructive rezonings, permits, etc in traditional and social media and read by the voting public.
The provincial govt is responding to a more informed public and the overwhelming evidence that a lack of affordability is the result of municipal obstruction and low supply.
Of course, more needs to be done. We need a cap on municipal fees and the annual layers of regulations. We will also continue to advocate deadlines for building permits due to unreasonable delays.
Thank you for your support of VRBA and housing affordability!