The Government of British Columbia has taken a significant step towards increasing housing affordability with the introduction of Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023. The bill proposes amendments to zoning rules across the province to permit increased density in areas that are currently zoned for single-family homes or duplexes. This blog post explores the details of Bill 44 and what it could mean for housing in British Columbia
Overview Of Bill 44 Housing Statutes
Bill 44 proposes changes to zoning rules across British Columbia to increase permitted density in areas that are currently zoned for single-family homes or duplexes. The proposed changes aim to increase the presence of small-scale multi-unit housing in neighbourhoods that are predominantly comprised of single-family homes. Here are the key provisions of Bill 44:
- Municipal governments will be required to allow three to four housing units on each Single Family Lot, depending on lot size in most areas with populations of over 5,000.
- Larger Single Family Lots close to public transit will see greater increases in the permitted number of units, with Bill 44 requiring rezoning for as many as six housing units on such Single Family Lots.
- For the City of Vancouver, Bill 44 proposes rezoning for either or both an additional housing unit in a separate building on the property, or an additional housing unit in a one-family dwelling.
- Zoning rules in respect of minimum parking requirements will also be relaxed, particularly for developments near public transit.
Implications Of Bill 44 Housing Statutes
The potential implications of Bill 44 are significant for housing in British Columbia. The proposed changes will open the door for increased presence of small-scale multi-unit housing in neighbourhoods predominantly comprised of single-family homes. Here are some of the key implications of Bill 44:
- The proposed changes may result in upwards of 130,000 new small-scale multi-unit homes in the next ten years.
- Municipalities will have until June 30, 2024, to amend their zoning bylaws to accord with the requirements.
- Bill 44 aims to reduce one-off public hearings, rework local planning and land use frameworks, and provide a better understanding of long-term housing needs to support the development of official community plans.
Conclusion
Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023 has the potential to increase housing affordability by increasing the presence of small-scale multi-unit housing in neighbourhoods that are predominantly comprised of single-family homes. The proposed changes will require amendments to zoning rules across British Columbia and may result in upwards of 130,000 new small-scale multi-unit homes in the next ten years. It is important to note that Bill 44 is not exhaustive of all possible legal rights or remedies, and laws may change over time, thus it is always advisable to consult a legal professional for specific advice in any particular situation.
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