New measures to boost rental housing

Proposed changes

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  Rental housing in C-2 commercial areas

  One of the key directions approved by Council is to amend the zoning in select commercial areas so that building rental housing is simpler and faster.

  Rental housing development in C-2 areas would no longer need to go through a rezoning process. This would cut a significant amount of time from the application process and increase clarity around rules.

  Where changes would apply

  The areas being considered include the C-2 zoning districts* outside of recently approved community plans or in areas where community planning processes are currently in progress.

  
  Open a large view of the map (PNG)

  What is being proposed

  • Amendments to the zoning to allow rental buildings up to 6-storeys without a rezoning process
  • Allowing simpler building designs that enhance livability and enable more sustainable buildings
  • Green building requirements to help respond to the Climate Emergency
  • Family housing requirements to help meet the needs of different household types
  • Increased building set-backs from the street to help create wider sidewalks

  Examples of potential 6-storey rental building design

  
  Street view (PNG)

  
  View from laneway (PNG)

   
  Street view (PNG)

  View the information session materials PDF file (3 MB) for more information on the proposed changes for rental housing in select C-2 areas.

  Other proposed zoning changes in all C-2 commercial areas

  In addition to the changes proposed for rental housing development described above, some minor changes to the zoning are being proposed for all new mixed-use development in C-2 commercial areas. These changes would apply in all C-2 zoned areas, including in recently approved community plan areas and areas where planning programs are currently underway.

  These changes would help align regulations for new residential strata development in C-2 areas with the proposed changes for rental housing development and ensure more functional commercial spaces in all new buildings. 

  View the information session materials PDF file (856 KB) for more information on proposed changes in C-2 areas.

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  Rental housing in low density transition areas

  We're encouraging new rental housing in low density transition areas by creating standardized rental housing zones. This would shorten the rezoning process. 

  These changes build on an existing program that was encouraging similar housing types in similar locations.

  Where changes would apply

  The areas being considered are low density RS and RT residential zones (which currently allow for single-detached homes and duplexes) that meet the following criteria: 

  • Outside of recently approved or upcoming community plan areas
  • On or within 150 metres of an arterial road
  • Within walking distance (400 metres) of both a:
    • Park or public school
    • Minimum of 15,000 square feet of commercial floor space 

  Draft map of where rental rezoning opportunities in low density transition areas would apply

  
  Open a large view of the map (PNG)

  What is being proposed

  • Introducing new rental zones to simplify the rezoning process for new rental housing projects
  • Allowing simpler building designs that enhance livability and enable more sustainable buildings
  • Introducing new requirements for zero emissions heating and hot water systems
  • Allowing surface parking options instead of underground parkades for some new rental buildings
  • Incentivizing delivery of below-market rental units
  • Continuing to require a minimum of 35% of units in new rental buildings to be family-size with two or more bedrooms

  Illustrations of potential building designs

  
  5-storey building on arterial (PNG)

  
  4-storey building off arterial (PNG)

  View the information session materials PDF file (3.4 MB) for more information on proposed changes in low density transition areas.

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  Documents

  • Secured Rental Policy information session display boards PDF file (6.5 MB)
  • Council report (November 26, 2019) PDF file (5 MB)
  • Council presentation (November 26, 2019) PDF file (7 MB)
  • Secured Rental Policy PDF file (131 KB)

  Rental Incentives Review Phase I

  • City of Vancouver Rental Incentive Program Review (CitySpaces Consulting) PDF file (1.3 MB)
  • Summary of preliminary key findings for Phase I of financial analysis for market rental policies (Coriolis Consulting) PDF file (151 KB)

  Rental Incentives Review Phase II

  • Rental Incentives Review Phase 2: Summary of key findings of financial analysis (Coriolis Consulting) PDF file (206 KB)