Higher Density Coming to Transit Hubs

The proposed legislation is focused on expediting the development of homes near transit hubs, aiming to enhance communities by providing easy access to transit, services, and amenities. Ravi Kahlon, the Minister of Housing, emphasizes the positive impact of such developments on individuals and communities, stating that existing regulations hinder progress in many municipalities. The goal is to eliminate barriers and accelerate the creation of transit-oriented communities.

As part of the legislative initiative, the government plans to allocate approximately $400 million, outlined in Budget 2023, to produce thousands of housing units within a decade or more. This funding will be utilized to acquire suitable land near transit hubs, transforming it into thriving, connected communities.

Rob Fleming, the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, underscores the government's commitment to leveraging public lands for building affordable housing in well-connected, livable communities. The legislation, if passed, is expected to remove obstacles and streamline the development of transit-oriented projects that align with the needs of local communities.

The current scenario in British Columbia reveals that while some higher-density neighbourhoods have been successfully established around transit hubs, others face challenges such as restrictive zoning bylaws, parking requirements, and delayed development approvals. The proposed legislation aims to address these issues by requiring municipalities to designate Transit Oriented Development Areas (TOD Areas) near transit hubs.

Within these designated TOD Areas, municipalities will need to permit housing developments meeting provincial standards for height and density. These standards, categorized by tiers, will be highest at the center of the TOD Area and will vary based on the type of transit hub and the municipality's size, population, and location. The legislation also advocates for removing restrictive parking minimums, allowing parking to be determined based on project-specific needs.

The legislation encourages consistency in developing TOD Areas by utilizing standards outlined in the provincial policy manual. Municipalities will retain the authority to require parking for individuals with disabilities, while commercial parking requirements in TOD Areas remain unaffected.

Preliminary analysis suggests that the province could witness the creation of approximately 100,000 new units in TOD Areas over the next decade. To support the legislation, a provincial policy manual will be established to aid municipalities in setting site standards and progressing with proposed housing projects.

Following the release of regulations and the policy manual in December 2023, lands designated for transit-oriented growth in official community plans will immediately fall under the new minimum allowable density requirements. For other TOD Areas requiring local government designation, municipalities have until June 30, 2024, to complete this process.

The legislation aligns with the proposed small-scale, multi-unit housing legislation (SSMU), which aims to increase density near transit stops. However, TOD Areas with higher density will take precedence over SSMU zoning if there is an overlap.

This legislation is an integral part of the Homes for People action plan, announced in spring 2023, building on previous housing initiatives since 2017. The plan outlines further actions to expedite housing delivery, fostering vibrant communities across British Columbia.

Further info : https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0063-001748