Infill Housing Phase Two

An interim development review policy for duplex, triplex and quadraplex applications has been created in order to facilitate pilot projects. These projects will inform the development of Phase Two of the Infill Housing Program.

Phase Two of the Infill Housing Program will focus on how duplexes and triplexes are permitted. Allowing these housing forms is one way the City can help increase the amount of ground oriented infill housing other than single detached dwellings, a key objective of the Official Community Plan. This work is currently on hold while staff focuses on other Council priority areas. We expect to relaunch the full Program in 2022. In order to facilitate pilot projects in the meantime, Council has endorsed an interim development review policy.

Click here to see the Interim Development Review Policy: Duplexes, Triplexes and Quadraplexes.

Applicants interested in building duplexes, triplexes and quadraplexes now have two options:

  1. Wait until the full Program is developed. At which point we will be able to provide more clarity and guidance to applicants and likely a shorter application process.
     
  2. Apply as a pilot project. Pilot projects will help us understand which regulations, guidelines, and approval process to include in the program. Pilot projects would be subject to thoughtful design, site planning and landscaping review, and likely a longer application process. Applications that don’t meet the requirements outlined in the Interim Policy will have to wait for the full Program to be developed.
     

It is recommended that applicants who wish to proceed as a pilot project contact the City to set up a pre-application meeting at which time a Planner will evaluate and advise whether the application is consistent with the Interim Policy. At this meeting the Planner can also discuss with you the application requirements and approval process, and answer any questions you may have.

Regulations and guidelines for small or compact lot subdivision have not been included in the first two phases of the Infill Housing Program, as single detached dwellings are already well-represented in the city’s current housing stock. Although this form of infill could be examined at a future date, at this time staff is not recommending small or compact lot applications to Council.

For more information please contact the Planning Division by phone at 604-527-4532, or by email at .

  • The Infill Housing Program: Phase Two will include:

    • Revising our existing zoning regulations (or making new regulations) for duplexes. This might include changing the minimum lot size or allowing secondary suites in duplexes in appropriate circumstances.
       
    • Creating new zoning regulations to allow triplex housing. Triplexes are one of the housing forms envisioned for the Residential – Ground Oriented Infill Housing (RGO) land use designation in the Official Community Plan (OCP), but the Zoning Bylaw does not permit them. A new zoning district would be created that would include regulations such as building size and height.
       
    • Creating new development permit guidelines for duplexes, triplexes and quadraplexes. These guidelines would include expectations for building massing, landscaping and other elements to make sure the building fits well with neighbouring properties and supports livablity. 

     

    • Deciding on processes to approve duplex and triplex development applications. Aspects of the approval process, like whether to require a Development Permit or a rezoning, and who has the authority to approve an application, will be explored.
       

    Once staff is directed to move forward with this work a revised work plan will be developed. Consultation will take place through the process so the community can provide feedback about design preferences and proposed changes to the OCP and Zoning Bylaw.

  • Feb 24, 2020 Council Report: 2020-2021 Land Use Planning Work Program

    August 27, 2018 Council Report: Phase Two of the Infill Housing Program - Discussion of Scope of Work