The Squamish Council has adopted a new R-1 zone in response to the provincial legislation aimed at increasing housing density in the community.
The newly adopted bylaw introduces a new R-1 zone, which replaces selected RS-1, RS-1A, RS-2, RS-2A, RS-3, and RMH-2 zones. This change permits multiple dwelling residential (MDR), enabling property owners in these zones to develop triplexes and fourplexes in addition to the existing single-unit dwellings and duplexes. However, development remains contingent on criteria such as lot size, setbacks, and environmental allowances.
Streamlining Development Processes
The Council is also working on updating the Development Permit Area 3 guidelines in the Official Community Plan. These revisions aim to simplify the permitting process for housing developments, mainly by removing the requirement for a Development Permit Application for triplexes and fourplexes. This change is anticipated to be implemented by this fall.
Any development involving three or more stratified units still requires a Development Permit Application. Property owners interested in developing Multiple Dwelling Residential units are encouraged to contact the planning department at 604.815.5002 or email at planning@squamish.ca for guidance.
Aligning with Provincial Legislation and Housing Commitments
These zoning updates are part of the District’s efforts to comply with new provincial legislation (BILL 44) and to fulfill its commitments under the Squamish Housing Action Plan and its agreements with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, District said in a social media update.
For more information about the Squamish Housing Action Plan and other housing initiatives, visit squamish.ca/housing.
DONALD/LYNDA Patrick says
Hard to understand … the folks on the newly zoned land are going to get a windfall never expected and going to have to move to another jurisdiction to have the same standard of housing. Living in a 1200 sq ft Condo sharing common property, no dirt to play in, pets restricted, neighbours behind every wall … go for density to save the world while at the same time creating and slum living conditions for many. Few appreciate what they have until they lose it and all the money in the world will not compensate for private living conditions.
David J Lassmann says
I believe that our governments are so obsessed with solving perceived current problems that they are ignoring the probability that all of this development will prove to be unsustainable in the long term. It seems that all levels of government have abandoned sound economic policies as they take us down the road to the social “dream”. The public are never given the educational tools needed to understand the fallacies inherent in the “news” that are presented for public consumption. How can this end well if we continue down this road?