The City of Delta has already embarked on the road to introduce more housing choices on residential lots, even prior to the provincial government’s announcement last week on new legislation to deliver more small-scale, multi-unit housing units.
The province announced that historical zoning rules in many communities have led most new housing to be built mostly in the form of condos, or single-family homes that are out of reach for many people, leaving a shortage of options for the types of housing in between.
Zoning barriers and layers of regulations have also slowed down the delivery of housing, making people go through long, complicated processes to build much-needed housing in communities.
The proposed legislation and regulations, among other things, will permit one secondary suite or one laneway home, also known as an accessory dwelling unit, in all communities.
In most areas within municipalities of more than 5,000 people, the changes will also require bylaws to allow for three to four units permitted on lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use, depending on lot size, as well as six units permitted on larger lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use and close to transit stops with frequent service.
Municipalities covered by the legislation may permit additional density if desired but cannot have bylaws that allow for fewer permitted units than the provincial legislation.
The proposed changes will also phase out one-off public hearings for rezonings for housing projects that are consistent and aligned with the official community plans, a practice introduced by the Delta, which received a housing target mandate by the province, earlier this year.
A recent planning department report outlines a number of initiatives underway, some part of Delta’s new Housing Action Plan but also other recently introduced ideas, including permissions for accessory dwelling units
Delta’s OCP and zoning bylaw allow for secondary suites, including suites in duplexes but generally do not allow other forms of accessory dwelling units, such as detached garden suites or coach homes, except through rezoning and in most cases OCP amendments.
The planning department will also introduce small-scale multi-unit housing opportunities.
That initiative involves promoting increased residential density and variety through small scale multi-unit housing and infill.
Currently, Delta’s Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw generally limit choices to single detached homes, secondary suites, and in some cases coach homes or duplexes in areas designated and zoned for low-density residential development.
“This initiative aligns with the province’s Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing initiative, which is anticipated to involve fall legislation requiring municipalities to allow three to four units on single detached lots. Further information is required on the details of the upcoming provincial legislation in order to fully advance the City’s response,” the report notes.
