Further Information

• Listen to the presentation from Staff at the November 8, 2023 meeting (45-minute mark)

On November 24, 2023, the Government of British Columbia passed the Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act 2023 to amend zoning rules to facilitate the creation of more small-scale, multi-unit homes.

The changes aim to reduce redundant public hearing processes in certain circumstances, build more affordable housing, and plan for long-term housing needs.

Currently, many questions can’t be answered until after the Province releases the Housing Policy Manual in December 2023.

Some of the changes arising from this new legislation include:

Pemit Secondary Suites:

• Requirement: Allow secondary suites in all zones that permit a single dwelling unit. All local governments that have zoning bylaws must allow a secondary suite in all zones that allow a single dwelling unit or duplex dwellings
• Deadline: June 30, 2024

Rezone for “SSMU” Housing

• Requirement: Small Scale Multi-Unit (SSMU) Housing – Local Governments must undertake zoning amendments to allow for four dwelling units on lots currently zoned for single dwelling units or duplexes within the Urban Containment Boundary
• Deadline: June 30, 2024

Update Housing Needs Reports

• Requirement: Housing Needs Report (HNR) – Updates to housing needs reports are required for all local governments. The updated HNR will be based on a standard method and must have a 20-year time frame.
• Deadline: December 31, 2024

Update OCP based on Housing Needs Reports

• Requirement: Official Community Plan must be updated to include policies on housing based on the housing needs report. OCP must plan for enough homes for 20 years and include policies to provide for a range of housing types.
• Deadline: December 31, 2025

Update Zoning Bylaws to Reflect Official Community Plan

• Requirement: After the OCPs have been updated, the requirement is for zoning bylaws to match housing policies in the OCP. The expectation is that lands for residential use will be prezoned by the local government.
• Deadline: December 31, 2025

Other Changes

• Reduced parking requirements
• Public hearings will not be permitted for zoning amendments for housing projects that are consistent with the OCP