New Housing Legislation Info Sessions

LVCA

The following is an extract of
https://www.dnv.org/community-environment/new-provincial-housing-legislation

In November 2023, the provincial government passed legislation intended to increase housing supply and improve affordability in all B.C. municipalities. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PREM0062-001706
To achieve this goal, the B.C. government has made changes to allow more homes and offer different types of housing across the province in single-family neighbourhoods, and near transit hubs and other frequent transit corridors.


UPCOMING PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
In-person Public Information Meeting
The in-person public information meeting will begin with a presentation, followed by an opportunity to mingle with staff to ask questions and learn more.

  • Thursday, April 11, 6:30 – 8:30pm – In-person Public Information Meeting at Parkgate Community Centre (3625 Banff Court, North Vancouver)
  • Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 – 8:30pm – In-person Public Information Meeting at District Hall, Council Chambers (355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver)

Virtual Public Information Meeting
The virtual public information meetings will begin with a presentation, followed by a facilitated question and answer session with staff.

How the changes will affect the District
The new legislation fundamentally changes how the District – and all local governments in B.C. – plans, considers and approves development and growth across our entire community.

These rules require the District to allow increased density in neighbourhoods traditionally zoned for detached single-family homes and duplexes. This increase in density also requires updates to strategic, long-term visioning for our community and to the municipality’s zoning bylaws.

District staff are reviewing policies that are impacted by these changes as the province requires that all relevant bylaws must be updated by June 30, 2024.
Key facts

  • In most single-family neighbourhoods, the legislation supports up to three or four units per lot. In single-family neighbourhoods near frequent transit service, this could be as many as six units per lot.
  • The provincial government has designated Transit Oriented Development Areas with minimum densities and heights near Phibbs Exchange and Capilano University.
  • As part of the new rules, municipalities are no longer allowed to hold public hearings for residential projects that conform to the District’s Official Community Plan.
  • The District’s Housing Needs Report, Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw must be updated by December 2025 to accommodate 20 years of projected residential growth.

Related documents

Get more details on the government’s website for local government housing initiatives <https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/local-governments-and-housing/housing-initiatives>