Vancouver proposes infill incentives for thousands of homes

Steve Randall
Canadian Real Estate Wealth

Thousands of new homes could be created in Vancouver after city staff announced proposals to allow more infill options for character homes.

All of the approximately 12,000 pre-1940s homes across the city would be eligible for incentives to densify with coach houses and stratified units while retaining the character home.

The proposals, which will go to the City Council next month, also include:

• Introducing laneway homes (rentals);
• Increasing the number of homes allowed on a 33’ lot from two to three;
• Introducing a new detached form for duplex that allows for two separate houses on a lot, with a larger house at the front and a smaller house at the lane; and
• Permitting large lots to build a new 4plex.

Vancouver’s Mayor, Gregor Robertson, says that affordability is the top concern of many residents and that the proposals will deliver housing to meet the needs and demands of residents while keeping to the affordability measure of no more than 30% of household income being spent on the home.

“These proposed changes from City staff respond to the desire for people to have more housing options in single family neighbourhoods—neighbourhoods where they currently cannot afford to live,” Mayor Robertson said.

The proposals are part of the wider Housing Vancouver Plan and would potentially create thousands of new homes, especially in areas such as including Dunbar, Kerrisdale and Arbutus Ridge, which do not currently allow coach houses and other stratified housing.

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