July 4th, 2024

As mentioned in previous updates, on June 25th, Council enacted the necessary bylaw changes to implement recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the Standards of Maintenance Bylaw with respect to problematic properties exhibiting a history of non-compliance.   

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

June 20th, 2024

At Council on June 11th, City staff were directed to prepare the necessary bylaw changes to implement recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the Standards of Maintenance Bylaw with respect to problematic properties exhibiting a history of non-compliance.  

The scope of this report addresses building safety, with special consideration of Single Room Occupancy (SRO) buildings. It provides recommendations and amendments to the SOM Bylaw and other related bylaws to increase the minimum and maximum fines resulting from prosecution; give Property Use Inspectors enhanced tools to assist in achieving compliance; reduce the amount of time before the City undertake building repairs at the expense of the owners; improve cooling measures in buildings; improve building ventilation; and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities during snowfall events. 

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

April 23rd, 2024

The City of Vancouver will be engaging on proposed changes to its Standards of Maintenance By-law, largely focused on purpose-built rental. The City is reviewing policy considerations regarding: 

• Fines resulting from prosecution for Standards of Maintenance by-law offences;  
• Reducing the amount of time in which the City can carry out necessary repairs at the expense of an owner; 
• Increasing the safety of building residents during future heat events; and 
• Increasing accessibility of building residents during snow events.