North Cowichan is looking to increase housing density in the municipality.
Council recently changed its zoning regulations to comply with provincial legislation and will now allow up to four dwelling units per lot for properties located within the urban containment boundary, which for the most part are properties connected to both municipal sewer and water.
Mayor Rob Douglas said North Cowichan worked hard to balance compliance with the province’s requirements and maintaining the character of the municipality’s established neighbourhoods.
“We hope these changes will result in many more affordable housing options for our residents,” he said. “In addition to what is required by the province, we have removed barriers for factory-built homes and now permit a garden suite or coach house on most residential properties in the urban areas in the UCB, which includes neighbourhoods in Chemainus, Crofton, Berkey’s Corner, Quamichan, Bell-McKinnon, and the University Village near Duncan.”
North Cowichan’s zoning changes also include permitting accessory dwelling units in addition to a single-family dwellings wherever a zone within the UCB allows for three or four units per lot, amending the definition of single-family dwelling to include manufactured homes on a permanent foundation and removing the floor area limit for secondary suites.
However, the regulations for the municipality’s rural areas have changed very little since two units were already permitted in most places.
To learn more about the new zoning regulations and how it impacts properties in North Cowichan, visit www.connectnorthcowichan.ca/bill44.
