Infill Housing Accelerator Program
Program Summary
The Infill Housing Accelerator Program is exploring pre-zoning to permit up to six units of infill housing (such as secondary suites, laneway and carriage houses, triplex, quadplex, and multiplex forms of housing) on single detached dwelling properties across most of the city.
This work will implement the Province’s Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation, which requires the City to permit development of three or four units per residential lot, depending on site size, and six units per lot in areas within 400 metres of frequent bus stop. The City’s Program is exploring expanding on the legislated requirements by identifying additional properties where six units would be permitted. The Program would also streamline the application process through pre-zoning. Pre-zoning is when a project does not require a rezoning application to make it easier to construct new units.
Through this Program a property owner would have a range of options, including a single detached dwelling (house), a duplex, or a project with three, four, five, or six units, depending on their goals and what will work on their property. The zoning would be structured to maintain existing zoning entitlements. This means that owners can stay in their house, can still renovate or rebuild their house, or sell their property.
Learn more about how we're encouraging new housing! The video below introduces New Westminster's Infill Housing Program.
The intended outcome of this work is to allow for diverse housing options, specifically infill housing. This aligns with City Council’s 2023-2026 Strategic Priorities Plan focus area “Homes and Housing Options”. To achieve this outcome, the City initiated the Infill Housing Program, with funding from the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CMHC) through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF).
Proposed Changes
The City uses bylaws and policy tools to enable housing development. Currently, we’re making updates to our Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw and Zoning Bylaw. These are our main tools for regulating what type of housing (e.g. apartment, townhouse, or duplex) is allowed, and where, along with what height and size those buildings can be.
The OCP includes land use designations that describes the type of development that would be supported on each property as the city grows. Through the Infill Housing Accelerator Program, the City is proposing that the “Residential – Ground Oriented Infill Housing” (RGO) land use designation apply to more areas of the city. The majority of these properties are currently designated “Residential – Detached and Semi Detached” (RD) which only permits a house, suite, and/or laneway or carriage house.
The City’s Program includes creating new zoning regulations and development permit guidelines. These would ensure that projects fit well within their neighbourhoods, provide clarity to applicants and align with City-wide policies and strategies. Past community engagement, along with legislative and technical requirements, will be used to guide the work.
How do I Participate?
Visit the Infill Housing Be Heard page to learn more and stay up to date on the process. The Be Heard Page also includes project timelines, and past consultation event materials.
You can also sign up online for Citypage Online to stay connected and hear about upcoming events!