A new regulation in B.C. sets the minimum number of housing
units allowed on each parcel of land in single-family zones –
with higher density near bus stops to encourage public transit
use.
On December 7, 2023, Sections 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 15, 19, 20,
23, 24, 25 and 47 of Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential
Development) Amendment Act, 2023, S.B.C. 2023, c. 45 were
brought into force by Order in Council No. 673. Additionally, a local
government zoning bylaw regulation (the Bylaw) was
made.
The Bylaw prescribes, among other things, the minimum number of
housing units required to be permitted on each parcel of land in
those areas zoned for single-family homes, based on the parcel
size. The Bylaw provides that if land that is at least 281 square
metres in size is located within 400 metres of certain bus stops,
at least six housing units must be permitted. The Bylaw provides
the minimum density requirements prescribed under Section 481.3(4)
and (5) of the Local