Housing

Housing is an important part of community and regional planning. Through the Local Government Act and the Community Charter, local governments have been empowered with a range of planning and legislative tools to implement housing policies.
 

The publications below were produced by the Ministry of Community Services and the Office of Housing and Construction Standards to support local governments in developing housing policy.

• planning for housing
• market housing affordability
• rental housing
• supportive housing for seniors
• housing the homeless
• secondary suite programs
• density bonusing provisions
• maintenance bylaws for rental housing

This information may also be of interest to others; including private sector developers and non-profit housing providers.
 

Planning for Housing 2004: An Overview of Local Government Initiatives 2004

The guide provides examples of the initiatives undertaken by local governments in British Columbia to encourage the development of housing options.

A Local Government Guide for Improving Market Housing Affordability 2005

The guide illustrates how local governments across British Columbia are working to increase the supply and general affordability of market housing. It highlights effective practices and provides practical information for planners, local government officials, non-profit housing providers and private sector developers.

Rental Housing Planning Guide 2002 (443 KB)

The guide provides tools for local government to promote the preservation of existing and the construction of new rental housing. The guide contains strategies for small and large communities to use when working with the housing sector to meet the rental housing needs of residents.

Supportive Housing for Seniors: A Policy and Bylaw Guide 1999

The guide addresses the challenges of providing housing for an aging population. The guide includes information for local governments on drafting policies, bylaws and guidelines as well as encouraging and evaluating proposals for supportive housing developments.

Local Responses to Homelessness: A Planning Guide for BC 2000

The guide has been developed to help address the housing needs of those who are homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless. Case studies and examples illustrate a variety of strategies that may be used by all levels of government, health authorities, private business and community groups to reduce homelessness.

Secondary Suites: A Guide for Local Governments 2005

The guide is designed to help local governments develop and implement secondary suite programs. The guide highlights practices intended to promote affordable rent, tenant security, and suite quality as well as provide practical information for elected officials, planners, and others.

Density Bonus Provisions of the Municipal Act: a Guide and Model Bylaw 1997

The guide provides local governments in British Columbia with a model zoning bylaw amendment that includes a provision for density bonusing. The guide also presents several practical considerations for local governments to assess while developing and implementing a density bonus system of their own.
 
* Please note that the statutory references in this guide are out of date. Section 904 of the Local Government Act now contains authority for density bonusing.

Standards of Maintenance Bylaw Guide and Sample Bylaw 1996

The guide is intended to help local governments develop a Standards of Maintenance bylaw to ensure that rental housing meets minimum standards of comfort and safety. A model standards of maintenance bylaw has been included as well as some suggestions to help ensure the bylaw meets community needs.