Zoning for housing

Zoning can be used as a tool to influence how a community changes and grows and to increase housing affordability.

Zoning is the practice of dividing land into different areas, or zones, according to how the land can be used. It can also regulate the types of buildings that are permitted, their height and location on the property, their appearance, and other characteristics. 

Land can be zoned for many uses such as housing, retail, industry, transportation, or recreation. Typically, local governments have developed quite complex zoning for their communities. Residential uses alone might require many different zones, each one permitting slightly different types of housing.

Housing Needs Reports and Zoning

Municipalities are required to review and update their and zoning bylaws by December 31, 2025, following the development of an Interim Housing Needs Report. Subsequently, they must review and update their OCP and zoning bylaws again by December 31, 2028, within two years following the completion of the first regular Housing Needs Report. This ensures that zoning bylaws permit the number of housing units needed over the next 20 years. This requirement does not apply to regional districts.

To learn more about Housing Needs Reports visit: Housing Needs Reports - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)