Legislation would ask municipalities to allow dense housing near SkyTrain stations and bus exchanges

The province has introduced legislation to potentially create 100,000 new homes near identified transit areas over the next decade. These areas include places within 800 meters of a rapid transit station and within 400 meters of a bus exchange.

“Building more homes near transit is good for people, communities, and helps make the most of transit, infrastructure and services,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.

“We’re working to leverage public lands to build more affordable housing in connected, livable communities,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “This legislation is the next step forward to help remove roadblocks and fast-track more transit-oriented development that works for people in their communities.”

In these designated TOD Areas, municipalities will be required to:

• permit housing developments that meet provincial standards for allowable height and density. The minimum allowable height and density is based on tiers – at its highest in the centre of the TOD Area – and will differ based on the type of transit hub (SkyTrain stop/bus exchange) and a municipality’s size, population and location. Note: A full list of intended allowable standards is available in a backgrounder.
• remove restrictive parking minimums and allow for parking to be determined by need and demand on a project-by-project basis.
• utilize standards and details in the provincial policy manual to provide consistency in the approach to developing TOD Areas.

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