Kamloops granted extension to implement BC's housing legislation

The City of Kamloops has been granted an extension to amend its zoning bylaw and upgrade their infrastructure, as laid out in legislation that came into effect last year.

The legislation requires cities to fix “outdated” zoning rules and create capacity for more row homes, triplexes and townhouses.

Local governments were required to make the changes by June 30.

That included allowing either a minimum of one secondary suite or detached accessory dwelling unit; a minimum of three to four dwelling units; or a minimum of six dwelling units near bus stops with frequent transit service, depending on location and population.

At the end of May, Kamloops council narrowly supported moving forward with the province’s new requirements.

But the City of Kamloops has been granted an extension until Dec. 31, 2030 for the Rayleigh Waterworks District and several other areas in the city, according to a news release issued Monday.

Communities were able to require an extension on adopting the legislation.

The application had to demonstrate that the City of Kamloops was in the process of upgrading infrastructure that services the specific neighbourhoods for which the extension requested.

Alternatively, the application could show that area or areas where the zoning changes would apply was a risk to health, public safety or the environment.

Ten municipalities, including Sun Peaks, were granted more time for final amendments to their zoning bylaws to comply with the new provincial small-scale, multi-unit housing (SSMUH) legislation.

Kamloops is one of 12 municipalities that were given extensions for certain areas and neighbourhoods.

Seven municipalities were denied an extension to implement the SSMUH legislation.

According to the province 91% of municipalities have now adopted that legislation, which encourages more “middle housing” options for families and people with middle incomes.