Asked about the punting of the housing proposal this week, one of the factors Stewart raised is a continuing topic of debate in several B.C. municipalities: the idea of adjusting the system by which council considers and decides on many real estate developments.
A rezoning is the process through which a property owner applies to build something other than what’s allowed under existing zoning, which typically means bigger buildings. A great deal of Vancouver’s homes, especially rentals, are produced through rezonings, which involve a public hearing and a yes-or-no decision from council.
“There is a tradition of public input here in Vancouver, and I wouldn’t want to see that go away,” Stewart told reporters at city hall this week. “But are there ways through which we can accelerate the process and strike that balance? I do think there are adjustments that can be made.” Non-profit housing providers say this would be a game-changer, allowing them to build more affordable homes faster and cheaper.Last year, Vancouver council approved bylaw amendments removing rezoning requirements for non-profit social housing developments up to six storeys in a few mid-rise apartment zones. At that time, Bill Tieleman, a lobbyist and longtime political strategist, publicly opposed the proposal, calling it “undemocratic.
Last year, the B.C. government introduced legislative changes allowing municipalities to remove requirements for public hearings on projects consistent with official community plans, to speed up housing approvals. The Vancouver plan, which is being considered by council this month, could potentially lead to a citywide land use development plan, similar to Vancouver’s version of an official community plan.
Need to speed up the process and reduce the fees.
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