The City of Richmond, in response to Provincial Government legislation (Bill 44), has rezoned almost 27,000 residential properties to allow multi-unit housing on single family lots. The City wants residents to understand these mandated rezoning changes and is now seeking public feedback on the new regulations.
The City is hosting open houses as well as an online feedback opportunity beginning Tuesday, July 9 to Sunday, August 11.
The open houses and online engagement focus on the City’s new small-scale multi-unit housing regulations. The feedback sought focuses on density/floor area, building height, roofs, front and rear yards, and parking.
How you can learn more and share your feedback
In-Person: A series of drop-in style open houses are being hosted by the City to provide information on the new small-scale multi-unit housing regulations. City staff will be on hand to provide information and address questions, along with display boards, handouts and a feedback form.
- Tue, July 9: Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton Street, 5:30-8:30pm
- Wed, July 10: Hamilton Community Centre, 5140 Smith Drive, 6:30-8:30pm
- Thu, July 11: South Arm Community Centre, 8880 Williams Road, 5:30-8:30pm
- Wed, July 17: Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Avenue, 5:30-8:30pm
Online: Open house information and a feedback form will be available online on Tuesday, July 9, for those not able to attend an open house. Visit richmond.ca/NewHousingRegulations. The deadline to complete the survey is Sunday, August 11.
It is important for residents to be aware of Bill 44 and its impacts on the growth and character of Richmond and historic neighbourhoods such as Steveston.
Background
In November 2023, the Provincial Government imposed legislation (Bill 44) that significantly changes housing throughout British Columbia, including Richmond.
These changes affect the approval process for residential projects, and allow density increases beyond those traditionally permitted in most Richmond neighbourhoods. The Province has mandated these changes with the aim of creating increased housing supply.
On June 24, 2024, Richmond Council amended the zoning of almost 27,000 single-family and duplex lots throughout the city to allow small-scale multi-unit housing (three to six dwellings per lot) under Bill 44.
Council have applied for an extension of the June 30 compliance deadline for Bill 44, for the Steveston townsite due to an ongoing sanitary sewer replacement program. The extension application is currently under review by the Province.
There will be a future opportunity to provide feedback on the Province’s Transit-Oriented Areas legislation (Bill 47), which affects lands near the Canada Line, through upcoming public consultation in connection with the City’s Official Community Plan Update.
For more information on the Provincial Government’s housing legislation and the City’s response, visit richmond.ca/NewHousingRegulations or email CommunityPlanning@richmond.ca.