As mentioned in previous updates, on February 18th, Council adopted Bill 44 Flood Hazard Zoning and R-1 Updates to address areas subject to high flood/debris flow hazards that were not included in amendments to the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) updates.   

Based on the recommendations of the technical memo undergone by the District’s consultant, five new zones (R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 & AGRI – 4) are proposed that align zoning in these areas with the recommendations in the memo prepared by the consultant:  

• R-2 Zone: Full exemption and limited densification area - allowing two-dwelling units on a lot;  
• R-3 Zone: Full exemption and conditional densification area - triplexes allowed;  
• R-4 Zone: Setback exemption area and within/directly adjacent to a Secondary Floodway - retention of front and exterior side setbacks; and  
• R-5 Zone: Lot coverage and setback exemption area, adjacent to Secondary Floodways in Valleycliffe - retention of front, rear and exterior setbacks and lot coverage.  

R-1 Updates to address minor inconsistencies:  

• Alignment of accessory building side setback with R-1 side setbacks;  
• Alignment of R-1 setbacks with new R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 zones;  
• Clarification of R-1 accessory uses and accessory buildings; and  
• Alignment of parking area lighting requirements with R-1.  

The report additionally establishes a maximum size for a dwelling unit (where a maximum does not already exist) of 400m2 to reduce the size of ultra-large homes and potentially facilitate the creation of more dwelling units. To reduce the potential risk of more variance applications having to be brought to Council, staff are also proposing to include a delegated variance threshold for larger homes (up to 25% of the maximum size).  

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

December 17, 2024

On December 3rd, Council gave three readings to Bill 44 Flood Hazard Zoning and R-1 Updates to address areas subject to high flood/debris flow hazards that were not included in amendments to the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) updates.  

Based on the recommendations of the technical memo undergone by the District’s consultant, five new zones (R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 & AGRI – 4) are proposed that align zoning in these areas with the recommendations in the memo prepared by the consultant: 

• R-2 Zone: Full exemption and limited densification area - allowing two-dwelling units on a lot;
• R-3 Zone: Full exemption and conditional densification area - triplexes allowed;
• R-4 Zone: Setback exemption area and within/directly adjacent to a Secondary Floodway - retention of front and exterior side setbacks; and
• R-5 Zone: Lot coverage and setback exemption area, adjacent to Secondary Floodways in Valleycliffe - retention of front, rear and exterior setbacks and lot coverage. 

R-1 Updates to address minor inconsistencies: 

• Alignment of accessory building side setback with R-1 side setbacks;
• Alignment of R-1 setbacks with new R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 zones;
• Clarification of R-1 accessory uses and accessory buildings; and
• Alignment of parking area lighting requirements with R-1. 

The report additionally establishes a maximum size for a dwelling unit (where a maximum does not already exist) of 400m2 to reduce the size of ultra-large homes and potentially facilitate the creation of more dwelling units. To reduce the potential risk of more variance applications having to be brought to Council, staff are also proposing to include a delegated variance threshold for larger homes (up to 25% of the maximum size). 

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