Adaptable Housing

Adaptable housing is designed to benefit anyone whose mobility is limited due to age, disability or illness, making it easier for them to function more independently in their own home.  Housing is designed and built so that accessibility features can be added more easily and inexpensively after construction.  Adaptable housing also includes features that do not affect the look or function of the unit when it is built but add considerable utility to a person with mobility challenges.

In December 2009, the Province introduced changes to the BC Building Code, which establish a consistent set of standards for all new adaptable housing units created by either municipally-driven policy decisions or developer-led initiatives. These new Provincial standards include regulations for wider doorways, accessible entrances, kitchen layout, extra reinforcement in bathroom walls to allow grab bars to be installed and easy-to-use light switches, outlets, and door handles.

NEW Adaptable Housing Requirements

On June 28, 2011, Council adopted an amendment to the Zoning Bylaw for the provision of Adaptable Housing. Below is a summary of the new requirements:

• The policy will apply to all new developments that include single-storey dwelling units in multiple unit residential occupancy buildings.

• A minimum of 40% of all single-storey dwelling units in multiple unit residential occupancy buildings must be constructed as Adaptable Dwelling Units in accordance with the standards specified in the   British Columbia Building Code.

• The following will be exempted from the total floorspace calculation:

  • 1.85 square metres (19.90 square feet) for every one bedroom adaptable housing unit.

  • 2.80 square metres (30.14 square feet) for every two-plus bedroom adaptable housing unit.

• The location of the adaptable dwelling units within each building will be the decision of the developer (i.e., some ground floor, some top floor, some east facing, some west facing, etc.).

• One year grace period for in-stream development applications (Bylaw effective date of May 2012).

This inclusion of adaptable housing in the City’s housing stock is an important and proactive means of planning for the City’s aging population, allowing seniors to stay in their community and age-in-place, and allowing others with mobility challenges to live more comfortably in their home.

Resources:

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 7464, 2011 (Adaptable Housing Provisions)

BC Provincial Adaptable Dwelling Unit Standards 

BC Provincial Adaptable Housing website (FAQs)

Staff Reports:

Adaptable Housing Needs Assessment for New Westminster

Adaptable Housing Backgrounder

Council Report - May 30, 2011 - presentation of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 7464, 2011

Council Report - May 2, 2011 - Policy proposal and comprehensive report on adaptable housing for New Westminster