On November 12th, Council approved amendments in principle regarding rainwater management for new low density buildings (single-family homes, duplexes, and multiplexes). Effective July 1st, 2025, a new “small site pathway” is proposed to control rainwater runoff from new low-density properties through the use of a detention tank.  

The report recommends the extension of rainwater management requirements to simple (low-density) buildings, as already in place for most new, complex buildings. By managing existing sewer system capacity, the proposal allows for redevelopment to occur while reducing the need for sewer upgrades and mitigating flooding risk for other forms of development. 

More information can be found in the full report by City staff. 

September 12, 2024 

The City of Vancouver is proposing rainwater management regulations for all new low-density developments as of July 1, 2025, including single family homes, duplexes and multiplexes. Feedback is requested by Thursday, September 26, 2024. A webinar with a question and answer session will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11:30 am. Details and webinar registration are at vancouver.ca/rainwater.