Legal Note

Revolutionizing B.C.’s Single-Family Neighbourhoods: Impactful Changes in Zoning Regulations

Transforming BC’s Single-Family Neighbourhoods: A Zoning Game-Changer

Prepare for a paradigm shift in the landscape of British Columbia’s single-family neighbourhoods.

Currently occupying a significant 70% of land area but housing less than 20% of the population due to existing zoning bylaws, these neighbourhoods are on the brink of a transformative revolution.

In Vancouver, the metamorphosis of single-family neighbourhoods has been underway for the past two decades.

While basement suites have been a common addition, it wasn’t until 2004 that the city officially legalized them, a trend followed by other municipalities.

In 2009, Vancouver extended this evolution by allowing laneway homes on many lots, with an estimated 5,400 built since. Now, the next phase of transformation is looming.

September marked a pivotal moment as Vancouver City Council greenlit new zoning bylaw changes, ushering in the era of ‘multiplexes’ on single-family lots.

These changes also simplified regulations for all RS (single-family) zones.

Unlike the past, where only the main house, basement suite, and laneway house were permissible on a single-family lot, the new rules allow for up to six dwellings, and up to eight if all are designated as rentals.

Picture source: Canva

To incentivize the construction of multiple homes on these lots, the city increased the allowable floor space ratio (FSR) from 0.86 to 1.0.

This means that on a 5,000-square-foot lot, the total area of the dwellings can now reach 5,000 square feet.

Under the revamped zoning, three-storey buildings are now permitted, with a maximum allowable height of 36 feet.

Importantly, ownership and rental housing can coexist under the new multiplex zoning.

Dwellings may be strata-titled and sold, or some units may remain in affordable ownership or rental.

However, one of the most significant changes is the elimination of off-street parking requirements under the new multiplex zoning. While builders may opt to provide parking, it’s no longer a mandatory stipulation.

In terms of affordability, estimates suggest new homes could range from $2.8 million for a standard east side lot to $1.1 million for a fourplex unit.

The proposed provincial legislation, allowing secondary suites and laneway homes on every lot in smaller communities, will further expand the impact of this revolution.

This zoning overhaul isn’t just about changing buildings; it’s about reshaping communities, affordability, and the very fabric of living in British Columbia’s single-family neighbourhoods. The winds of change are blowing, and the future promises a more diverse and accessible housing landscape.

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Single-Family Neighbourhoods in British Columbia

New BC Laws End Rental and Age Restrictions for Strata Properties

The new BC housing laws will set housing targets for municipalities and lift strata rental restrictions.

Sources: BCFSA, BIV, Times Colonist

Image source: Canva

Premier David Eby on his fourth day in the office is introducing a suite of housing affordability measures including proposed laws that could order fast-growing municipalities to meet housing supply targets and end rental restrictions based on age or type of building.

During his leadership campaign, Eby promised to implement the measures as British Columbia is facing a growing housing crisis in which both renters and buyers require additional housing.
Proposed amendments to the Strata Property Act will become effective immediately if passed, with the proposed Housing Supply Act coming into effect in mid-2023.

Those communities in urgent need of housing stock – eight to ten are estimated by the province to fall into this category – would be required to establish housing targets as part of a Housing Supply Act.

Targets will be established in a collaborative manner. Where and how that housing is built will be decided by municipalities.
The province did not specify Monday which municipalities have been flagged as being in a state of urgency, only that they will be notified after the legislation takes effect next year.

Picture source: Canva

A government proposal this week will amend the Strata Property Act to permanently end certain rental restrictions, including those that restrict tenants to people over 19 or 30 – essentially banning young families with children.

Additionally, the amendment will end a ban on condo owners renting their units.
There are approximately 300,000 strata units that may be subject to rental bans, according to the province. However, the Act allows stratas to ban short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs, in their bylaws.

After being sworn in in Vancouver on Friday, Eby said he planned to tackle housing issues.
During his fall leadership campaign, Eby released a housing plan intended to tackle affordability, target speculators, and protect renters.

As part of his proposed plan, a government under his leadership would speed up the approval process for affordable housing, use government land for some projects, allowing homebuilders to replace single-family houses with up to three units on the same lot, and make secondary suites legal all across the province.

There is no specific mention of secondary suites in Monday morning’s announcement.
He plans to “hit the ground running” and then provide residents with two one-time payment programs to mitigate inflation pressures.

To read more local news and updates please check our BLOG PAGE

To view Geoff Jarman’s Listings CLICK HERE

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