B.C. sees widespread adoption of multi-unit housing legislation
Nearly 90% of B.C. communities have adopted legislation that promotes small-scale, multi-unit housing projects.
B.C. Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon.
Key Takeaways:
- Out of 188 local governments, 162 have passed the necessary bylaws to comply with the new legislation, with nine more actively working on it.
- Fifteen communities have requested extensions beyond the June 30, 2024, deadline, with two communities, the District of Wells and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, granted extensions due to wildfire impacts.
- The legislation is part of a broader effort to address the housing crisis by creating more diverse and attainable housing options.
The Whole Story:
Provincial legislation to fix outdated zoning rules and create more small-scale multi-unit homes (row homes, triplexes and townhouses) has now been adopted into local bylaws, or will soon be adopted, by almost 90% of communities throughout B.C.
“People expect governments to work together to tackle the housing crisis and provide more homes for people,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing. “We are encouraged that the vast majority of local governments have worked hard to adopt much-needed provincial legislation to fix old zoning rules and deliver the types of homes that people need.”
Out of 188 local governments in B.C., 162 have adopted the small-scale multi-unit legislation by passing local bylaws, with another nine communities actively working to adopt the legislation.
Local governments were required to make changes to zoning bylaws by June 30, 2024, to allow either a minimum of one secondary suite or detached accessory dwelling unit; a minimum of three to four dwelling units; or a minimum of six dwelling units in areas near bus stops with frequent transit service, depending on location.
Fifteen communities have requested a formal extension on adopting the legislation beyond the June 30, 2024, deadline. Those requests are being reviewed by the Province. Two communities, the District of Wells and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, have been granted an extension due to recent or current impacts of wildfire and evacuation orders.
One community, the District of West Vancouver, rejected passing bylaw amendments and is currently not in compliance with small-scale multi-unit housing legislation. This community has been sent a 30-day non-compliance notice. At the end of that 30 days, a ministerial order could be issued.
A full listing of bylaw compliance and requested extensions by community is available in backgrounders.
In the coming months, the Province will evaluate the implementation of the legislation by local governments to ensure its success in helping to deliver more small-scale multi-unit homes.
In November 2023, the Province passed housing legislation to help deliver more small-scale multi-unit housing in communities. In December 2023, the Province also provided local governments with regulations and a policy manual to support the implementation of the legislation with a deadline for local governments to amend local bylaws by June 30, 2024.
According to the Province, small-scale multi-unit housing creates more options for the kinds of housing people are looking for, whether it is seniors looking to downsize while staying in their neighbourhoods, or young families searching for more attainable homes with outdoor spaces for pets, children and gardens.
