Advocacy Updates Blog
Published Dec 17, 2024

District of West Vancouver - Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments

First Reading

At their meeting on December 9th, Council gave first reading to the proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments that include changes to the heights of Solar Panels and siting of Heat Pumps. 

Solar Panels Height Exemption: 

  • Provide greater flexibility to solar energy systems, allowing a 0.6 metre building height exemption without restrictions for the structural dimensions for solar panel equipment; and  
  • clarify the height exemption limits for mechanical equipment and enclosures, and skylights, to require a maximum of 9.0 square metres in cumulative area for these types of structures. 

Heat Pumps: 

  • provide greater flexibility for the siting of heat pumps, allowing heat pumps to be located anywhere on a site and not be limited to multi-family residential sites.  
  • In response to noise complaints regarding heat pumps, staff have created a Heat Pumps & Noise Guide, outlining advice for heat pump installers and residents interested in installing a heat pump to provide year-round heating and cooling within their home, while also complying with the District’s Noise Control Bylaw by minimizing noise from heat pumps. 

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

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