The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has approved a game plan to allow for provincially-legislated housing density changes.
A staff report delivered at the Feb. 28 board meeting detailed that the regional district had received $121,296 to help implement the legislative changes (Bill 44), which were introduced in October last year, and have to be implemented on a municipal level by June 30.
Under the changes, a secondary suite and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) must be permitted in all residential zones in regional district electoral areas in the province.
One caveat is that if a lot is less than a hectare in size and not serviced by municipal sewer services, only a secondary suite is permitted.
Staff said changes should be minimal, however.
“Note here that most of our zoning already provides for secondary suites,” said SLRD senior planner, Claire Dewar.
“So there won’t be large-scale changes required, but there are some zones that require updates, specifically to enable secondary suites.”
A detail of note is that under the bylaw changes required, “public hearings are prohibited with respect to zoning bylaws associated with implementation of this new legislation.”
Another change is that lots within the SLRD’s master-planned communities must have density upped to allow for three to four units per lot where servicing permits. For the SLRD, that includes Britannia Beach, Furry Creek, and Porteau Cove. Provincial requirements of six units per lot do not apply due to lack of public transport.
The staff report includes details on what SLRD staff will need to change with regard to bylaws across the four areas of the regional district.
ting to the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) were queried at the meeting, and noted to trump the provincial density changes, meaning no additional density within the ALR.
The funds from the province will be used to complete the SLRD’s housing needs report for which a consultant will be hired, and to support staff time in implementing changes.
SLRD directors unanimously approved the staff report.
Staff expect the changes to come back before the SLRD board at the April meeting for first, second and third reading.
