BC Government Increasing Development Approvals in Around Town
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The BC Government is considering introducing legislation later this year that could take approvals for some developments out of the hands of local governments. The government is reviewing minimum targets for development that are already in use in areas around the world, including New Zealand which has banned single-house zoning in major cities.
‘Too many housing development proposals become stalled as councils deliberate over building heights, parking issues and the character of neighbourhoods’, said David Eby, BC’s Attorney General. At the same time, the number of homeless encampments are increasing, rental units are difficult to find, house prices continue to escalate.
Local governments have a right to say where housing needs to go, what is a priority heritage area and where they want growth, but not whether a development goes ahead or not, said Eby.
Eby has stated that the BC government is speaking with local governments and will move forward with changes in an effort to speed up some developments. The province completed a Development Approvals Process Review in September of 2019. More details about the proposed legislation is expected this Fall.
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