Development

The Interim Development Review Framework outlines expectations for the review of development applications while the City updates the policy to align with provincial legislation.

Council endorsed affordable housing definitions for use by the City, which apply to all relevant development applications.

Council adopted changes allowing up to six units of infill housing on most single detached and duplex properties, without the need for rezoning.

Council updated Official Community Plan land use designations within 800 metres of the City’s five SkyTrain stations to allow the minimum densities permitted by Provincial legislation. Council has also supported enabling similar building forms on approximately 100 properties at the edge of these areas. Rezoning is still required before the new heights and densities can be built.

Council designated approximately 900 properties for townhouses in the Official Community Plan and rezoned approximately 570 of them to allow townhouses where minimum lot size and frontage requirements can be met. Owners may also choose to stay in their existing home or renovate it instead.

Council amended the Development Cost Charge Bylaw to add fire protection and police facilities as DCC categories.

Council adopted an Amenity Cost Charge Bylaw, which requires development to help fund new amenities such as community centres, libraries, and child care. The bylaw is in force.

Council adopted an updated Inclusionary Housing Policy, which sets the expectation that multiple unit residential and mixed-use developments seeking increases in development entitlements will contribute towards below market housing units.

Council approved new requirements for residential storage space in new multiple unit buildings. All new dwelling units must have at least 3.7 square metres (39.8 square feet) of storage, either within the unit or in a common storage room. The requirements apply to all applications received on or after May 5, 2025.

Council adopted Zoning Bylaw changes to implement the updated Family-Friendly Housing Policy, which increases the minimum number of two- and three-bedroom units required in new multi-unit developments. A two-year transition period for rental projects ends November 18, 2026.