Real Estate

With increased demand for housing in BC, a lack of adequate housing supply in many communities, and the reality of low vacancy rates, many people are interested in how we can create more housing in our communities.

Last year, BC put forward legislation to streamline the process of creating housing by enacting province-wide zoning requirements for all municipalities. 

Local governments are expected to make these zoning changes by June 30th – so what does that mean for you as a property owner? 

More options are now available to those who want to create more housing units on their property

If you are a property owner living in a municipality of over 5,000 people, these provincial changes may mean that you can create more housing options on your property.

Examples of these housing options include:

• Adding secondary suites in single-family dwellings; 
• Building detached housing units like garden suites or laneway homes; 
• Creating duplexes (side-by-side or up/down); 
• Creating triplexes and house-plexes; and 
• Building townhomes

How do these changes impact building on your property?

What changes you can make will depend on the size of your lot and where your property is located in relation to other services. 

For example, if your property is close to transit stops with frequent service, you may be permitted to include more units on the lot.

It’s also important to understand what specific changes your local government is making. Although BC has required all municipalities to follow the same minimum requirements, these are a starting point and your municipality may permit additional density beyond these requirements.

If you are interested in developing your property, or are in the process of purchasing or selling property and are uncertain as to what these zoning changes could mean for you, Marigold Law Group can provide legal advice and support for you in the process. Contact us today to book a consultation for your real estate needs.