BC speeds small homes, tightens short-term rentals

Summary#

This bill changes several British Columbia laws to speed up small-scale housing in low‑density areas and to set province‑wide rules for parking tied to these homes. It also updates the Short‑Term Rental Accommodations Act to clarify definitions, strengthen enforcement, and involve participating First Nations more directly.

• Expands where small multi‑unit homes must be allowed, beyond zones that only permit single‑family houses.
• Requires cities (including Vancouver) to update zoning by June 30, 2026, so more small homes are allowed on residential lots.
• Lets the Province set an upper limit on off‑street parking requirements for these homes.
• Allows the Province to set design standards (size, placement, type, and minimum density) for the required housing.
• Creates an extension process for cities only in extraordinary cases, and lets the minister step in if a city does not comply.
• Adjusts heritage and transition rules so older processes continue in limited, clear cases.
• Tightens short‑term rental rules: clearer “principal residence” definition, separated decision and review roles, power to publish enforcement results, and new powers for participating First Nations.

What it means for you#

• Homeowners in single‑family or duplex areas

  • You may be allowed to add more homes on your lot (like suites, a laneway house, or a small multiplex), even if your area already allowed a suite or duplex before.
  • Fewer off‑street parking spaces may be required, which can lower building costs.
  • Local zoning must change by June 30, 2026, unless the Province sets earlier or later dates for specific rules.

• Renters

  • More small homes could be built on low‑density streets over time, adding options in more neighborhoods.
  • Parking rules may shift toward fewer required off‑street spaces, which could increase demand for on‑street parking in some areas.

• Builders and small developers

  • Expect clearer, province‑wide standards for the form, size, and placement of small multi‑unit homes.
  • A cap on required parking can lower costs and make smaller projects more feasible.
  • If a city delays required changes, the minister can order compliant bylaws, reducing uncertainty.

• Local governments (including Vancouver)

  • Must update zoning to allow small multi‑unit housing in more residential zones and revise parking bylaws to meet any provincial limits.
  • Must consider provincial policy guidelines when setting off‑street parking rules.
  • Can apply for deadline extensions only for extraordinary circumstances.
  • If you do not comply on time, the minister can enact or amend local bylaws to bring them in line.

• Neighborhoods

  • Gradual change as more small homes appear on lots that had single‑family houses or duplexes.
  • Possible shifts in parking patterns if fewer off‑street spaces are required.

• Short‑term rental hosts

  • “Principal residence” means the usual place where you make your home.
  • You must not provide false or misleading information in your registration.
  • Reviews of registration decisions are narrower and mainly limited to significant new evidence.
  • Compliance and penalty information can be made public.

• First Nations (participating under the Act)

  • Clearer ability to make and enforce short‑term rental laws, and to exercise compliance powers.
  • Coordination agreements can apply different rules to different areas within treaty lands or Nisga’a Lands.
  • Updated information‑sharing rules, including for personal information as allowed by law.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Will open up more land for small, lower‑cost homes by including zones that only allowed single‑family homes, suites, or duplexes.
• Parking caps reduce building costs and make projects like triplexes and fourplexes more viable, especially near transit.
• Province‑wide standards cut red tape and create predictable rules for homeowners and builders.
• Stronger enforcement (ministerial orders) ensures timely action where local changes stall.
• Short‑term rental updates clarify rules, prevent conflicts of interest, improve transparency, and help First Nations enforce their own laws.

Opponents' View#

• Reduces local control over zoning, design details, and parking, using a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
• Fewer required off‑street parking spaces could increase street parking pressure in some neighborhoods.
• Rapid zoning changes may alter neighborhood character faster than residents expect.
• New duties and tight timelines could strain municipal staff and budgets.
• Publishing enforcement information in short‑term rentals may raise privacy concerns, even if allowed by law.