|
|
Advertisement
|
|
More Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Homes Coming to Single-Family Lots Across B.C.
BC Government
Yesterday, the Province introduced new housing legislation which significantly impacts the zoning for single-family lots to deliver more small-scale, multi-unit housing including townhomes, triplexes and laneway homes, and fix outdated zoning rules.
The proposed legislation and forthcoming regulations will permit one secondary suite or one laneway home/accessory dwelling unit in municipalities of more than 5,000 people throughout B.C. In most areas, these changes will also require bylaws to allow for:
- three to four units are permitted on lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use, depending on lot size;
- six units permitted on larger lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use and close to transit stops with frequent service.
Municipalities will be required to update their zoning bylaws by June 30, 2024, to reflect the province's new standards. Additional density can be permitted if desired, but the municipality cannot have bylaws that allow for less than the provincially allowed units.
The legislation seeks to reduce red tape and the bureaucratic process that has slowed the construction of multi-unit housing. The need for a public hearing for projects that already fit with the municipality's Official Community Plan (OCP) will be eliminated.
In addition, all local governments will need to update their Housing Needs Reports (HNR) using a standard method, for a more consistent approach to local housing needs and align zoning bylaws with the OCP and HNR to pre-zone housing needs for the next 20 years.
You can read the full news release from the BC government here.
|
Advertisement
|
|
Just a Few Days Left to Submit Your Project for a 2024 Georgie Award
CHBA BC
There's no more time to delay, the 2024 Georgie Awards submission deadline is coming up fast! The Call for Entries closes on Monday, Nov. 6 at 8:00 p.m.
The Entry Portal website will walk you through the steps of your entry and includes valuable information about award categories, how to prepare your submission, required forms and our event sponsors.
Will you be a first-time or repeat Georgie Award winner?
|
Advertisement
|
Dates Confirmed for CHBA BC's 2024 Conference
CHBA BC
We're excited to announce that the date and location for CHBA BC's first conference have been confirmed.
The event will take place Oct. 2-4, 2024, at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and feature inspiring speakers, educational sessions and many opportunities for networking and socializing.
Have a hot topic you'd like us to consider including or want to be a speaker at the event? Please reach out to Laura Sew, Senior Director Special Events & Sponsorship at [email protected] with your ideas.
|
|
Public Review of Proposed Changes to the National Building Code
Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC)
Proposed changes for the National Model Codes, including the National Building Code, are now available for public review until Dec. 18, 2023. Approved changes to the National Building Code will impact future editions of the BC Building Code, so industry feedback is critical to provide real world expertise on whether proposed items should be approved, altered, or withdrawn.
Some of the proposed change topics include alterations to existing buildings (i.e. renovations), greenhouse gas emissions, airtightness, accessibility and more. Click here to learn more.
Email CHBA BC Director, Technical & Building Innovation, Pauline Rupp ([email protected]) to receive direct email notifications on reviewing the proposed changes to the National Building Code.
|
Advertisement
|
87 B.C. Communities Have Applied to the Housing Accelerator Fund
Business in Vancouver
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) says it has received 87 applications from B.C. municipalities to build homes through the Housing Accelerator Fund.
CMHC did not release details of all the projects, as it says it says the applications are still under review but did provide a recent example of an agreement between the City of Kelowna and the Government of Canada. This project will fast-track the construction of 950 housing units over the next three years thanks to $31.5 million in funding.
The Housing Accelerator Fund intends to facilitate the construction of 100,000 new homes across Canada over the next decade.
Click here to read more.
|
Metro Vancouver Hikes DCCs Despite Warnings from Federal Government
Vancouver Sun
Last Friday, Metro Vancouver's board approved a large increase in Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for new construction. In a split vote, the board decided to increase DCCs over the next three years by up to 250 per cent which could add tens of thousands of dollars to a new home in some cases. Metro Vancouver says it will reduce pressure to hike property taxes and utility fees.
Canada's housing minister had urged Metro Vancouver to reconsider its proposal to raise the fees charged on new construction, warning such large hikes could jeopardize badly needed housing supply and put federal funding at risk.
Read More
|
Advertisement
|
Promoted by WorkSafeBC
As of January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed to operate in British Columbia, and anyone performing asbestos abatement work must complete mandatory safety training and obtain certificates. Certification training for workers is now open. Information on the requirements for licensing is available on our website. Learn More
|
|
Celebrating Apprenticeship Recognition Month
SkilledTradesBC
For the fifth year, the BC government has declared November as Apprenticeship Recognition Month.
SkilledTradesBC has reached a record-breaking number of registered apprentices at 43,000 and so far this year, 15,075 people in British Columbia have registered for apprenticeships, a 20 per cent increase over last year.
In 2023, SkilledTradesBC began implementing skilled-trades certification, starting with seven trades in the electrical and mechanical sectors. Uncertified trade workers in those trades will be required to register as an apprentice or pass a certification exam before Dec. 1, 2023.
To make the process easier for workers and employers affected to get on the pathway to Skilled Trades Certification, SkilledTradesBC has added new functionality on the SkilledTradesBC Portal for workers with extensive experience to submit an online application to challenge the final certification exam or apply for a temporary authorization as an uncertified experienced worker.
SkilledTradesBC will be hosting virtual information sessions in the upcoming weeks for those who are impacted so they can better understand what steps they'll need to take. See all session dates.
|
Advertisement
|
|
New In-Person Workshop: Residential Enclosure Retrofits: A Hands-On Experience
CHBA BC
The existing low-rise residential building stock in BC represents a significant amount of energy consumption compared to newly built residences. This new training course specifically focuses on the limitations and challenges contractors face when undertaking enclosure retrofits on existing homes. Contrary to new builds, retrofits come with many challenges from unknowns, including as-built products and materials, occupied conditions, phasing limitations, and existing structural configurations. These challenges must be met with creativity, adaptation, and a strong knowledge of best-practice retrofit solutions.
This new course will be an interactive hands-on training that uses tabletop mock-ups, 3D graphics, and an open, interactive dialogue led by RDH Building Science professionals.
Spots are limited for hands-on engagement. All tools and materials required for hands-on training will be provided.
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023
- Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Location: Burnaby, BC
- 7 CPD points (currently pending approval)
- Register Here
More locations across B.C. will be added in 2024.
|
Advertisement
|
|
New Webinar: Using Fiberglass Construction Products to Meet BC Energy Step Code Requirements for Single-Family Homes
CHBA BC
While the BC Energy Step Code may seem restrictive or simply adds costs, it in fact offers increased design flexibility. But to capitalize on the opportunity for short-term and long-term savings, material and assembly selection is the key consideration.
This presentation explores a comprehensive and integrated approach to building envelope and window energy performance, with a focus on ways to cost-optimize energy efficiency by using fiberglass windows and fiberglass thermal spacers for exterior insulated walls.
Through a review of the BC Energy Step Code, this presentation will demonstrate how a "building-envelope-first" design approach can help meet emerging Step Code levels as well as offset costs associated with high-performance materials.
Course Details:
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
- Time: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
- 1 CPD point
Register Here
|
|
Weekly Update
Canadian Home Builders' Association of British Columbia
400-6400 Roberts Street | Burnaby, B.C., V5G 4C9
604-432-7112 | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
chbabc.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
