Development Updates

Interim Development Review Framework

Update – June 2026

In response to changes to the Local Government Act in recent years, the City is making significant updates to policy and regulations that shape development. The City's Interim Development Review Framework, first endorsed in 2024, outlines expectations and interim policy for the review of development applications during this time of change. In June 2026, the Framework was updated to reflect recently adopted policy updates, clarify the remaining policy changes underway, and outline interim policies that apply.
The amended framework can be found here.

Infill Housing Program

Update – June 2026

In June 2026, Council adopted amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw to permit up to six units of infill housing (such as secondary suites, laneway and carriage houses, triplex, quadplex, and other multiplex forms of housing) on single detached dwelling and duplex properties across most of the city. These changes streamline the application process by removing the need for a site-specific rezoning application. Owners may also choose to stay in their existing home, or choose to renovate or rebuild their home, rather than build any infill housing.

Additional information can be found on the Infill Housing webpage. Click here to see a map and list of the properties zoned to allow Infill Housing, either RGO-A (up to four units) or RGO-B (up to six units). 

Affordable Housing Definitions

Update – June 2026

On June 8, 2026 Council endorsed affordable housing definitions for use by the City, which cover a range of housing needs in New Westminster. These definitions are in effect and apply to all relevant current development applications.

The definitions are as follows:

• Below Market – a type of housing with rents that will not be more than 10% below average rents, all years, for the Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area per unit (bedroom) type as published within the latest summary from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
• Non Market – a type of housing with rents at the deepest subsidies, such as “rent portion of assistance,” or similar.

Projects that include near market units are not considered affordable housing for the purpose of the City’s affordable housing polices.

• Near Market – a type of housing with rents that are anywhere between market rent and 9.99% below average rents, all years, for the Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area per unit (bedroom) type as published within the latest summary from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Rental non-profit housing development applications on eligible sites proposing a minimum of 70% of total units with rents no higher than Below Market may be eligible for the Affordable Housing Accelerator Initiative. Additional information can be found on the Affordable Housing Accelerator Initiative webpage.

Townhouse Acceleration Plan

Update – May 2026

In May 2026, Council adopted amendments to the Official Community Plan to designate approximately 900 properties in the city “Residential – Townhouse” (RT) in the Official Community Plan (OCP). Of these properties, approximately 570 properties where rezoned to allow townhouses, when the minimum lot size and frontage requirements can be met. Owners may also choose to stay in their existing home, or choose to renovate or rebuild their home, rather than developing townhouses.
Additional information can be found on the Townhouse Accelerator Program webpage.

Transit Oriented Development Areas

Update – May 2026

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Areas introduced by the Province in 2023 enable density within 800 metres of the City’s five SkyTrain stations.

In February 2026, Council adopted an amendment to the Official Community Plan (OCP) update land use designations for properties within the Transit Oriented Development Areas to allow the minimum densities permitted by the Provincial legislation. No changes were made to zoning, meaning that a rezoning application is still required before the new heights and densities enabled by the Province can be built. Additional information can be found on the Provincial Housing Legislation Implementation webpage.

In June 2026, Council supported enabling similar building forms on approximately 100 properties at the edge of the TOD Areas. Providing similar opportunities on these additional properties would help create a smooth transition in density while considering development potential of sites. Click here to see maps of the additional 100 properties. (Note that these properties are not yet reflected in the OCP Land use Designation Map linked above). It is anticipated that this change will be adopted by Council in Fall 2026.

Additional information can be found on the Upcoming Official Community Plan Updates webpage.

Development Cost Charges (DCC) Update

Update – January 12, 2026

On January 12, 2026 Council adopted Development Cost Charge Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 8539, 2025 which was updated to include additional categories (fire protection and police facilities) permitted by Provincial legislation. This bylaw came into force on the day of adoption and updated DCC rates are in effect.

Additional information, including current rates, can be found on the City's Financing Growth webpage.

Amenity Cost Charges

Update – December 2025

On December 1, 2025 Council adopted Amenity Cost Charge Bylaw No. 8540, 2025 which requires development applications to assist in funding the cost of new amenities such as community centres, libraries, and child care. This bylaw came into force on the day of adoption.

Additional information, including current rates, can be found on the City's Financing Growth webpage.

Inclusionary Housing Policy

Update – September 2025

On September 8, 2025 Council has adopted an updated Inclusionary Housing Policy which set the expectation that applicable multiple unit residential or mixed-use development applications which are seeking increases in development entitlements will make a contribution towards below market housing units in New Westminster. Further information can be found on the Affordable Housing webpage.

Residential Storage Requirements in Multiple Unit Buildings

Update – May 2025

In May 2025, Council approved new requirements for residential storage space in new multiple unit buildings. The new requirements ensure that residential storage space will be required for all new dwelling units. The storage will be at least 3.7 square metres (39.8 square feet) located within each dwelling unit or within a common storage room. There are additional requirements for minimum dimensions, location and design. Additional information can be found here.

This requirement will apply to all new applications received on or after May 5, 2025.

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.  

Family Friendly Housing Policy Update

Update – November 2024

In November 2024, Council adopted Zoning Bylaw changes to implement the updated Family-Friendly Housing Policy. The updated policy supports a wider range of housing options for households with children by increasing the minimum number of two- and three-bedroom units required in new multi-unit developments and establishing minimum unit sizes. It also includes design guidelines and best practices to support family-inclusive homes and amenity spaces.

The Policy includes a two-year transition period for rental projects, after which multi-unit rental projects will be required to include a minimum of 35% two- and three-bedroom units, with at least 10% of total units containing three- or more bedrooms. This change is effective November 18, 2026.

More information is available on the Family Friendly Housing Policy webpage.

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.