Increasing Housing Density in BC: Understanding Bill 44’s Impact on Neighborhoods

With housing demands shifting across British Columbia, Bill 44 introduces new guidelines to enable small-scale, multi-unit housing as an option within communities. This initiative aims to create accessible housing without requiring high-density developments, making it a practical approach for established neighborhoods.

Exploring Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing Options

Small-scale, multi-unit housing includes a range of housing types, offering more affordable alternatives to single-family homes. Some examples include:

• Secondary suites in single-family dwellings;
• Detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), like garden suites or laneway homes;
• Triplexes;
• Townhomes; and
• House-plexes.

These housing types are often compatible with the character of single-family neighborhoods, while providing residents with more options for housing close to workplaces, schools, and transit.

Key Planning Changes in Bill 44

Bill 44 encourages local governments to adopt a proactive approach to housing by updating their zoning bylaws. As of June 30, 2024, local governments, with a few exceptions, were required to update their bylaws to permit small-scale, multi-unit housing options. In areas near frequent bus routes, zoning changes allow for up to six units on single-family or duplex lots of a certain size. The intent is to offer a range of housing options in areas of greater need while maintaining compatibility with neighborhood characteristics.

Proactive Community Planning and Housing Needs

Bill 44 introduces a shift toward long-term housing planning, requiring municipalities to regularly update Housing Needs Reports to better assess future housing requirements. In line with these reports, municipalities must review and update their Official Community Plans (OCPs) every five years, including public engagement, to address housing needs projected over a 20-year period. These updates will include policies to support a range of housing types, such as affordable, rental, and family-oriented options.

Additionally, Bill 44 modifies the process for public hearings on rezonings to improve efficiency. For housing projects consistent with updated OCPs, individual public hearings will no longer be required, allowing public input to focus on the earlier stages of planning when OCPs are reviewed. This change is intended to provide opportunities for residents to participate in the development of housing policies while reducing delays for projects that align with established community plans.

Anticipating the Impact of Bill 44

Through these updates, Bill 44 seeks to increase access to a range of housing types in response to growing demand across the province. By incorporating small-scale, multi-unit housing into single-family zones, communities may see a more adaptable housing landscape designed to address current and future needs. This approach encourages municipalities to consider both immediate and long-term housing demands, enabling a more flexible response to BC’s evolving housing landscape while maintaining community input and involvement throughout the planning process.