The District of North Vancouver will begin public engagement next month on different housing options for single-family neighbourhoods.
Staff is proposing to increase the maximum size of secondary suites from 969 square feet to 1,400 square feet, or 40% of the gross floor area of the single family home after permitted floor area deductions. There are also plans to introduce a minimum suite size requirement of 323 square feet.
It was in 2018 that DNV Council asked staff to look at secondary suite incentive options. In 2019, the BC Building Code was changed to remove maximum secondary suite size regulations. Staff is proposing to increase the maximum suite size in the zoning bylaw to encourage larger, family-friendly secondary suites, while a minimum suite size is being proposed to ensure the liveability of smaller suites.
DNV plans to start public engagement next month on the proposed maximum and minimum secondary suite sizes, identify barriers faced by homeowners and developers to constructing secondary suites in existing or new homes.
DNV will also try to understand the preference on potential incentives that could encourage the construction of more secondary suites, and obtain feedback on and explore zoning changes necessary to promote suites that are partially above-grade. DNV also plans to engage the public on expanding infill opportunities within the district. Staff plans to engage the community to get insight into the types of infill housing that should be prioritized, and potential concerns that will need to be addressed.
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