VICTORIA – The Province of British Columbia has updated its transit-oriented area manual for local governments and the development sector to address housing needs.
On Dec. 7, 2023 B.C. updated the Provincial Policy Manual: Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA manual) that local governments are required to consider when implementing requirements of the new Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act, 2023, S.B.C. 2023, c.48 legislation, also known as Bill 47, a release said.
The manual has been updated to reflect changes of the use of the density bonus tool in TOAs.
The TOA manual sets the expectation that density bonus in TOAs would use a base density consistent with the minimum allowable densities established in the TOA regulations, the release said.
Since the release of the manual several local governments have shared concerns this approach would significantly limit their ability to use the density bonus tool in TOAs and secure affordable housing and public amenities through TOA development.
Local governments will now be permitted to use existing base densities established in their zoning bylaws when using the density bonus too, even if they are below the minimum allowable densities.
“This approach will provide greater clarity for developers and ensure local governments can continue to secure the benefits of the density bonus through TOA development in the near term, while the province shifts toward an increasingly proactive land-use planning framework in the long-term,” the release said.
By 2025 it is anticipated local governments will transition to the new proactive planning tools to secure affordable housing and community amenities through TOA development, such as amenity cost charges and other tools under development, the release added.
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