As mentioned in previous updates, on May 5, the City’s Bill 16 compliance update was referred to Public Hearing. In select areas where existing density bonusing overlaps with provincially required minimum densities, the City of Vancouver is proposing to replace density bonuses with inclusionary zoning requirements, supported by economic testing. These requirements will allow developers to either deliver on-site affordable housing or provide a reduced cash-in-lieu contribution, and will apply to R1-1 multiplex (large west-side lots), RM-8A in the Cambie Corridor (single lots), and FC-2E in the False Creek Flats. In other zones, existing in-kind density bonusing will transition to in-kind inclusionary zoning, which is largely a procedural change and not expected to affect application processing.

The City is also eliminating density bonus contributions for over 90 percent of multiplex lots and more than 75 percent of RM-8A townhouse lots through the shift to outright density. In areas where inclusionary zoning does apply, cash contributions are being reduced, by approximately 35 percent for multiplex, 57 percent for FC-2E, and fully removed for RM-8A assemblies and smaller single-lot developments.

Council also approved a report in principle on the Development Application Procedure (DAP) Bylaw amendment to meet new consultation requirements.The amendment will provide direction to staff to consult with affected groups for site-specific rezoning applications with inclusionary zoning or density bonus provisions. It is proposed that existing public consultation practices be followed for these applications. This amendment will comply with legislation and formalize these existing practices.

More information can be found in the report on Bill 16 and the consultation requirements.