In 2022, Kimberley council approved zoning amendments with the intention of allowing more diverse housing options.
These include allowing for multiple buildings on one lot, higher builds and a reduction in parking requirements. For instance instead of requiring two parking spots, a builder could provide one parking spot and two bike spots.
Now planning staff is going a little further with that, in order to comply with provincially legislated small-scale multi-unit housing regulations, which are required by June 30, 2024.
Manager of Planning Services Troy Pollock said that the province will require that zoning regulations allow for up to six principal dwelling units on a parcel.
“So any parcels that at present are restricted to one single family home or a duplex must be modified for up to six units,” he said.
While the 2022 amendments allowed more of this in quite a few zones, there are still some areas of Kimberley that have to be brought into the new zoning.
Pollock said that while some may be concerned with allowing that many units, how many are allowed will depend on lot size, and that it is unlikely to happen quickly. In fact, he said that since the zoning was amended two years ago there hadn’t been a lot of uptake on it.
New units on a lot can include tiny homes, but those are only allowed if they are on a foundation and connected to utilities.
“Many people define a tiny home as something that can be moved, is on wheels, but we can’t issue a permit for that as it is not a dwelling unit. There are opportunities to build these small detached units, but regardless, it must be on a foundation.”
READ: City of Kimberley to host public hearing on zoning bylaw amendment