Development Regulations

New provincial legislation effective November 2023

The Provincial Government adopted new legislation in November 2023 aimed at increasing the supply of housing within BC. Based on the District’s review of the provincial legislation, a property that allows for a single-family dwelling, with a secondary suite and a coach house (i.e. three units per property) is not currently subject to the legislation for small-scale multi-unit housing requirements (SMMUH). 

While Provincial legislation may change in the future, the District is not currently considering zoning amendments for properties that allow a single-family dwelling, with a secondary suite and a coach house (i.e. three units per property).

At this time, District staff are drafting zoning amendments that will be brought forward by the deadline of Sunday June 30, 2024 for the sites where the Provincial housing legislation is applicable. Until this process is complete, the current zoning regulations remain in effect.

To learn more about the Province of BC’s housing initiatives, please visit the following websites: 

Development Regulations

The Zoning Bylaw regulates the use of all lands within the District of West Vancouver. Each zone specifies the permitted uses and provides limits to the height of buildings, setbacks, lot coverage and floor area ratio.

You can use WestMap below to determine the zoning for any property in West Vancouver.

Single Family Lots

If you are building a structure on your property, including retaining walls, stairs, pools and decks, you will need a permit. Includes information on secondary suites and coach houses.

Single Family Lots
 

Other Development

The planning department processes land use and development proposals received from residents and developers. Depending on the development proposal or project being contemplated, land development in West Vancouver will require a property owner or applicant to make a planning application for bylaw amendments and permits.

Other Development
 

Planning Applications

The planning department processes land use and development proposals received from residents and developers. Depending on the development proposal or project being contemplated, land development in West Vancouver will require a property owner or applicant to make a planning application for bylaw amendments and permits.

Development Applications
 

Addressing Expiring Land Use Contracts

In 2014, the Provincial Government amended the Local Government Act to terminate all Land Use Contracts (LUCs) that historically formed site-specific, contractual agreements between local governments and landowners. The District currently has 23 LUCs which are due to expire on June 30, 2024.

Addressing Expiring Land Use Contracts