Development Updates
Key Considerations For Redevelopment of Existing Rental Properties
Update – January 2025
Amid enquiries for redevelopment of properties located within New Westminster’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) areas, the City notes that properties containing existing rental units are required to comply with the Council-endorsed Rental Replacement Policy.
Please be advised that staff continue to work to update the City’s Tenant Relocation Policy in light of the June 10, 2024 Council motion, which directed staff to update the City’s tenant protection and relocation policies, using Burnaby’s regulation as a model. Per the Interim Development Review Framework, all development applications currently in progress will be expected to meet the new Tenant Relocation Policy.
Interim Density Bonus Policy and Revised Interim Development Review Framework
Update – September 2024
The Provincial government has introduced wide ranging changes to housing legislation that governs how municipalities plan for and approve new development, and how growth is financed. The City is currently working to review and update its regulations, policies, and practices in light of these changes. In the interim, new policies, some of which overlap with existing City policy, have been introduced to facilitate development review.
On September 23, 2024 Council approved the Interim Density Bonus Policy (IDBP). This policy provides the framework for the City’s density bonus program with respect to the procedures for determining an application’s total density bonus charge, and for collecting these funds through the development application process, where the applicant has chosen this option.
On this date, Council also endorsed minor revisions to the revised Interim Development Review Framework (IDRF). The purpose of the IDRF is to guide overall evaluation of new development applications, while staff work to formalize new policy and regulation in light of provincial legislation.
New Provincial Housing Legislation
Update – May 2024
In an effort to address the ongoing housing crisis, the Province has made a number of significant changes to the legislation under which local governments operate. Council's Strategic Priorities Plan has shared the same goal of creating more housing for everyone in our community. The City is implementing these changes along with our own programs towards more and better housing for all.
A ‘New Provincial Housing Legislation’ webpage has been established which will be updated on a regular basis as new information is available. A Guide to Transit Oriented Development Areas in New Westminster is a resource to assist property owners and developers understand how the new legislation applies in the city. The Interim Development Review Framework, which was endorsed by Council, will be applied to all development applications until such time as fully realized regulations and policies are put into place.
Proposed updates to relevant bylaws can be found in the report to Council dated May 27th, 2024.
Click here to visit the New Provincial Housing Legislation Page.
New Unit Additions
On February 5, 2024, City Council adopted the Policy for the Review of New Unit Additions in Existing Rental Buildings. The intent of this policy is to guide the evaluation of development applications which propose to add new units to existing rental buildings. The policy’s purpose is to provide staff and applicants with a framework to ensure retention and revitalization of existing rental units is balanced with the provisions of new ones.
Development Cost Charges (DCC)
The DCC charges have been updated as of August 2022. For more information and to check out the new rates, visit Timing and Cost section in the Making a Development Application page.
The City is proposing an Inflationary DCC Minor Update in 2024. Please click here to learn more.
Projects on the Go
To learn about development applications currently under review, but not undergoing City consultation at this time, please view the List of Private Development Projects.
Contact
Please contact the Planning Division at 604-527-4532 or if you have questions.