Buzz Items

EV-Ready Requirements: New buildings must include electric vehicle charging infrastructure (Level 2 for 100% of stalls in larger developments).
Small Car & Flexible Parking: Allows up to 30% small car stalls on multi-family developments to reduce paving and costs.
Boulevard Parking: One space in the boulevard area may count toward requirements (for properties with under 4 units).
Tandem Parking Rules: One tandem space allowed per unit; no tandem visitor parking.
Payment-in-Lieu: Increases from $3,000 → $10,000 per space, with higher flexibility downtown.
Bike & E-Bike Parking: Modern standards for secure, long-term, and short-term bicycle storage, including e-bike charging.

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH): Allows up to three or four units on standard residential lots, consistent with new provincial housing legislation.
Secondary Suites & Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted in more zones (including duplexes) with simplified definitions and height limits for ADUs (6.0 m; or 7.5 m when over garages).
Density Bonusing: +50% density incentive for projects that include at least 20% affordable units.
Zone Simplification: Consolidation into four main residential zones for clarity and flexibility.

The previous R-1Infill, R-1 and R-4 zones have been consolidated into the new Low Density Residential (R-1) zone. The previous Resort-Mixed Density Residential (R-5) zone has been re-numbered to R-3.

Updated Definitions: “Single Family Dwelling/Multi-Family Dwelling” replaced with “Residential/Unit” language to reflect new housing diversity.

New Landscaping Standards: Clear requirements for tree planting, screening, and stormwater-friendly design.
FireSmart & Wildfire Protection: No conifers within 3m of buildings; more use of native, drought-tolerant species.
Wildlife-Friendly Design: Avoids bear and deer attractants and includes waste screening requirements.
Tree Requirements:1 tree per single-family or duplex dwelling and 1 tree per 10m² of landscaped area for multi-family and commercial sites

Consistent Heights:
10m for single detached
11m (3 storeys) for small-scale multi-unit
13m for multi-family
6–7.5m for ADUs
Clarified Height Measurement: Measured from averaged finished grade point of the highest point of the roof, at the outermost corners, excluding projections.
Standardized Setbacks & Parcel Sizes: Clearer, more consistent, and aligned with provincial and OCP policies.
Coverage & FAR Updates: Modernized density calculations that enable compact, low-impact development

Childcare: “Childcare Facility” permitted in all zones.
Solar Energy Systems: Roof-mounted solar encouraged; ground-mounted systems regulated for safety.
Heat Pumps: Clear siting, safety, and noise standards.
Dark-Sky Lighting: No direct upward light or flashing signs; promotes night-sky visibility.
Shipping Containers: Limited to industrial/commercial areas and temporary construction use.
Updated Terminology: Consistent with provincial definitions for clarity and ease of interpretation.