Provincial Housing Legislation Updates

How we're responding to new Provincial Housing Legislation in the City.


The Provincial Government has enacted legislation aimed at increasing the supply of housing within BC. This includes legislation on Transit-Oriented Areas, Short-term Rentals, Development Financing Tools and Small-Scale Multi-Unit housing, and more. The City must now update its regulations to align with the legislation. 

Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw Update

In response to new provincial legislation changes, the City is proposing updates to its Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw – the tools we use to plan our communities. These updates would include changes to meet provincial requirements in a meaningful way for our City, while a more fulsome update to our Official Community Plan is anticipated to start in 2028.

We’re proposing two strategies to meet provincial requirements for growth: 

  1. Low-density housing that fits the look and feel of North Vancouver neighbourhoods and;
  2. Exploring opportunities for increased density on City Lands. 

LEARN MORE >

Duplex

In 2023, the provincial government introduced new housing rules to help increase housing supply. One rule requires cities to allow 3, 4, or 6 homes on certain properties. To follow these rules, the City updated its Zoning Bylaw on June 9, 2025. The changes apply to 35 properties across 19 zones and make it easier to build coach houses. These updates give property owners the option to add more homes, but don’t require them to do so.

Lonsdale Quay Transit Exchange
On June 24, 2024, Council adopted a bylaw designating properties within 400 metres of the Lonsdale Quay Bus Exchange as a Transit-Oriented Area (TOA). This bylaw, in line with provincial housing legislation, sets minimum allowable building heights and densities for new residential development and prohibits minimum off-street residential parking requirements.
person writing
Development Financing Tools
These changes to the Local Government Act are designed to enable municipalities to better fund community amenities. The City is undertaking a study to determine how best to implement this new community building tool. There is no mandated deadline for the completion of this work or for adoption of a bylaw to implement an amenity cost charge program; however, the City is working towards completing this project in 2025.
row of houses
On December 9, 2024, the City shared its 2024 Interim Housing Needs Report., which outlines current and future housing needs over the next 20 years, based on new Provincial rules and tools. The City must update its Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw by December 31, 2025, to ensure there's enough space for the housing needed.

Provincial Resources

The Province has released Policy Manuals to provide further information on the implementation of the legislation. To learn more about the Province of BC’s housing initiatives, please visit the following websites: 

 
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