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New local government tools

Last updated on June 28, 2024

Bill 16 provides local governments with new and updated tools to enact bylaws that support proactive planning to build more housing, including affordable housing. 

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​Inclusionary zoning and density bonus

New Inclusionary Zoning tool

Bill 16 provides a new tool to allow local governments to secure affordable housing through adoption of an Inclusionary Zoning bylaw. Inclusionary zoning allows local governments to require that a portion of units in a new development be allocated for affordable housing. When using Inclusionary Zoning: 

  • Local governments will need to undertake a feasibility analysis and consultation to ensure that inclusionary zoning will not deter development
  • Local governments may allow developers to meet inclusionary zoning requirements by providing cash in-lieu of affordable housing, or by building affordable housing on another site

Inclusionary zoning is most effective in communities with high-density development because the costs of providing affordable housing need to be offset by increased density.

Updates to Density Bonus tool

Density bonus is an existing tool that local governments use to allow a developer to build to a higher density in exchange for providing affordable housing or amenities. Updates to the Density Bonus tool clarify how it can be used and ensure it is consistent with the new Inclusionary Zoning tool. Updates include: 

  • Local governments will need to undertake financial feasibility and consultation to ensure that bonus density is achievable and calibrated to current local conditions
  • Local governments may allow developers to meet density bonus requirements by providing cash in-lieu of amenities or affordable housing or by building affordable housing on another site
  • By mid-2025, all existing Density Bonus bylaws must comply with new legislative requirements, and density bonus can only be used above the minimum allowable densities in transit-oriented area

Timeline

  • April 25, 2024 (Royal Assent): New Inclusionary Zoning tool available for use by local governments
  • Fall 2024: Provincial guidance
  • June 30, 2025 (or later prescribed date): Transition to new Density Bonus rules and requirements

Tenant Protection bylaws

At the local level, several communities have developed tenant assistance policies to help renters facing displacement. Bill 16 provides municipalities with the authority to develop tenant protection bylaws to require developers to provide added support for tenants facing displacement in cases of redevelopment. This includes financial assistance, moving assistance, help to find a new place to live, or the right to enter into a new tenancy agreement with the owner in another building.

Providing new authority for tenant protection bylaws will ensure that while densifying, municipalities can continue to build complete communities while minimizing negative impacts to tenants who are displaced.

Timeline

  • April 25, 2024 (Royal Assent): New Tenant Protection Bylaw Authority takes effect
  • Fall 2024: Provincial guidance

Please consult the municipal website for information on the tenant protection bylaw(s) of a specific municipality.

For information on provincial tenancy protections under the Residential Tenancy Act, visit the Residential Tenancies website.

Site-level infrastructure and transportation demand management (TDM) authorities

​Bill 16 provides new authorities to secure key outcomes to support complete communities. These include:

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Expanded works and services authorities

Expanded works and services authorities allow local governments to require a broader range of works and services in a wider range of circumstances. Specifically:

  • Clearer authority to require works and services (such as roads, water, sewer, and drainage) for developments in existing neighbourhoods that do not involve a subdivision process and allowing local governments to use these authorities at the building permit stage
  • An expanded list of items that local governments can require, including things like street furniture, parklets, streetlamps and sustainable design features
  • Expanded road dedication authority to require new developments to provide more land for things like wider sidewalks, street trees and traffic calming that cannot be accommodated within current limits
 

Transportation demand management authorities

Transportation Demand Management (or TDM) authorities that allow local governments to define and require TDM measures in new developments. This could include things like charging stations, bike parking and end of trip facilities.

​Collectively, these new authorities will increase transparency on what is required of developers, allow for more effective and efficient development processes and support the development of complete communities with high quality public spaces alongside the housing that is needed in B.C.

Timeline

  • April 25, 2024 (Royal Assent): Local governments have new and expanded authorities to require works and services and TDM measures
  • Fall 2024: Provincial guidance

Contact information

Contact us if you have questions about local government housing initiatives.

Victoria Office
250-387-3394
Toll Free
1-800-663-7867
Email
PLUM@gov.bc.ca
Address
Planning and Land Use Management Branch
PO BOX 9841 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria BC V8W 9T2