Multi-Unit Zoning Comes To BC
In the midst of a scarce housing crisis, the province has introduced new housing legislation to incentivize the creation of dense multi-family homes that cities in BC desperately need. We want to explore how this might impact students.
Released on November 1st, the Premier’s Ministry of Housing wrote to British Columbians to let us know that stronger housing policies are here to aid the crisis we’ve been facing for years now. Students are always being challenged by this crisis, whether it be searching for available homes, affordable homes, homes that are not a far distance from campus, or a mix of three variables. It appears now that the provincial government is taking more responsibility for these challenges.
With the high density that is provided and promoted by city councils on land in downtown cores, developers often flock to these areas and build condos hundreds of units at a time. While this does add supply to the market, not everyone wants to live in these high-density downtown complexes – hopefully this new legislation can add much-needed density to suburban locations.
Many families who cannot afford to rent small houses are stuck in apartment buildings which poses an issue to at least two parties: the families in question who struggle to raise their families in a space far too small, and, the students in the community who are looking for apartments like these and appreciate the lifestyle that accompanies living downtown. Building more multi-family homes will free up prime apartment rentals for students while also allowing those families who need the spaces and amenities of a house to raise their livelihoods.
The news release includes an updated version of zoning rules, which historically have not been in favour of multi-family housing projects. The norm of developments for, arguably, the last century, have been single-family homes on large plots of individual land. Due to population increases, the current economic condition, and Victoria’s unique housing crisis, the region is shifting towards dense urban living to accommodate both available and affordable housing needs. The amendments are as follows:
One allowable secondary suite, or, one laneway home in all communities throughout BC.
Municipalities of 5,000+ residents are permitted three to four units on any lot currently zoned for single-family or duplex use.
Zoning lots that are bigger than usual and are close to public transit services, will receive up to six units where single-family homes would initially be zoned.
The province estimates that over 130,000 units of multi-family housing will be built over the next ten years with this new legislation, from Vancouver Island to the Kootenays. Although students may not be filling these small-scale family-style homes directly, the increase in supply of units could increase the availability of studios or one bedroom apartments, which traditionally appeal more to students. students instead will have better access to rental units close to campus. These apartments and rentable condos will become readily available after more people relocate to houses and rentals that best suit their needs.
It is evident that the government is looking out for the needs of all renters in the province. While this legislation does not directly benefit students, it is opening the door for more housing, which should make it easier to find affordable places to live. Whether it be making the application approval process easier for developers, adding stricter regulations for short-term rentals, or creating pre-approved residential designs for multi-unit areas, it is clear that the government is taking action to address the lack of available and affordable housing options in British Columbia.
Written by Kaya Dupuis