Housing
Chilliwack uses an array of planning tools to support housing in the City. Underpinning these tools is the City's Official Community Plan, which includes specific housing policies and guidance on affordable and appropriate housing, such as the development of complete communities and improving walkability for residents. Housing policies also include accommodating new residential development through infill and redevelopment in existing areas, supporting adequate and affordable housing for seniors, encouraging rental housing by promoting alternative forms of housing (i.e. accessory dwelling units).
Small-scale Housing
The Province recently passed small-scale multi-unit housing legislation that requires cities, including Chilliwack, to permit the following:
- 1 secondary suite in all single detached zoned properties.
- Up to 4 units on all single detached or duplex zoned lots greater than 280m2 within the urban growth boundary.
In June, 2024, Council adopted the necessary zoning updates to comply with this new legislation, which impacts approximately 11,000 properties. Generally, the new zoning regulations for setbacks, floor area ratio, height, parking and landscaping follow existing zoning regulations. Additional information can be found in the Resource documents below, and enquiries can be directed to the Planning Department at [email protected] or 604-793-2906.
Resources:
Transit-oriented Housing
The Province recently passed transit-oriented area legislation that requires cities, including Chilliwack, to designate transit areas that meet prescribed criteria by bylaw. Within these areas, the following applies:
- No parking is required for residential development.
- Density minimums apply within 200m and 400m.
In June, 2024, Council adopted the necessary zoning updates to comply with this new legislation, which impacts the area in Downtown around the Spadina transit exchange. Additional information can be found in the Resource documents below.
Provincial Housing Target
The Province recently issued a housing target order for Chilliwack under the Housing Supply Act. This order requires the City to report on progress, approving housing units for the next 5 years. The Province can also take action to intervene in bylaw making and permit issuance should the City not make sufficient progress on achieving the housing target.
The order for Chilliwack is effective July 1, 2024.
Housing Needs Report
The City completed a Housing Needs Report in 2020 to identify current and future housing needs in our community. The report focuses on affordability and demand for all housing types and will support future City, B.C. government, local non-profit and development community decision-making around housing.
Housing Needs of Aging Adults Study
Like many Canadian communities, Chilliwack's population of adults 65 and over is growing faster than other age groups and there is a need to ensure that affordable and appropriate services and housing options are available across the housing and care continuum. To this end, the City undertook the Housing Needs of Aging Adults study to better understand housing needs and to provide direction to actors across sectors, including the City, non‑profit housing providers, private developers, and health agencies.
Secondary Suites, Coach Houses & Garden Suites
The City has a policy (the Secondary Suites Policy) to permit the rental of secondary suites within any single detached dwelling in the City, regardless of the zone of the lot. In conjunction with the Secondary Suites Policy, the City has established a development permit process (Development Permit Area 10) for regulating the form and character of coach houses and garden suites.
