policy
A PLETHORA OF PROVINCIAL POLICIES
In the fall of 2023, the BC Government introduced various housing supply-related policies including minimum density requirements around transit, changes to single-family zoning, and community amenity contributions and development cost charge changes. The transit oriented development framework sets a minimum height and density that can be built within certain distances of transit. Around SkyTrain stations, sites within 200m have a minimum allowable density of 5.0 FSR and 20 storeys in height, between 200-400m it’s 4.0 FSR and 12 storeys and from 400- 800m it’s 3.0 FSR and 8 storeys. Around bus exchanges in medium sized communities (like Victoria and Kelowna) 200m or less gets 3.5 FSR and 10 storeys minimum, while 200-400m gets 2.5 FSR and 8 storeys. The province will also allow, in communities of 5,000 people or more, three to four units on single-family and duplex lots, depending on
lot size, and up to six units in select areas located close to transit. Additionally, public hearings will be phased out for rezoning applications that fall within OCP guidelines effective June 30, 2024. Community amenity contributions will no longer be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, instead amenity cost contributions will be made clear and upfront in the planning process. Also, municipalities will have more flexibility in where they allocate development cost charges, and can now use them to fund new and improved municipal facilities like fire halls, police stations, and others. The transit oriented framework and single-family zoning policies are likely to boost supply at the margin, but not make much difference overall, while the amenity cost contribution change will serve to aid in increasing the speed of the overall planning process, again at the margin.
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