Delta council has granted final approval to a set of zoning changes that will pave the way for more small-scale, multi-unit forms of housing on single-family and duplex lots, while choosing to maintain city standards that control how many units can be built.
The province last fall introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at increasing housing supply including legislation requiring local governments to permit increased density in areas traditionally designated for single-detached homes.
The zoning changes, required for implementation by June 30, will permit a minimum of four dwelling units on any property exceeding a certain size with a minimum of six units permitted in areas within 1,132-square-feet of frequent transit.
Applications that meet the new provincial small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) requirements will go straight to the building permit stage without the need for public notification letters and on-site signage.
To support local governments in implementing the requirements, the province has released a Policy Manual and Site Standards document to provide guidance on how to implement the zoning changes. It includes site standards that must be considered by a local government.
However, cities are not required to follow those standards and can continue to use their own standards when it comes to things like setbacks, height and floor area coverage.
That means property owners can’t expect to automatically be allowed to have four units on their lots.
Council agreed to send a letter to Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon confirming that the City of Delta has adopted zoning bylaw amendments.
“In addition, Delta continues to work with the Ministry on achieving our housing target and implementing the changes required for pro-active planning using only existing resources, without significant additional funding. Regardless, council is unanimous in its strong support to see increased supply and diversity of residential development and looks forward to continuing to work with the Ministry to improve housing for all in Delta,” the letter by Mayor George Harvie states.
Council agreed to have the changes monitored closely with a report to come back to staff in early 2025 on possible further adjustments to floor space ratios, heights and setbacks.
Concern was expressed that having 450 square feet for garden suites exempted from the floor space ratio allowance may not be enough for such units.
Council also had concerns on infrastructure requirements, which was noted in the letter.
