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Consultation has concluded
What is Family-Friendly Housing?
Family-friendly housing is a dwelling unit that contains 2 or more bedrooms and supports households with more than 2 persons.
Why does this matter?
Increasing housing costs has made finding housing challenging for families requiring multiple bedrooms. Single-detached houses in Nanaimo are often no longer affordable for families, and there is a need for more attainable alternatives, such as 2 and 3+ bedroom strata units, rental apartments, and townhouses. Both City Plan - Nanaimo ReImagined (2022) and the City's Affordable Housing Strategy (2018) recommended that the City of Nanaimo explore options to increase family-friendly housing. While the supply of family-friendly units is generally being built, there is a lack of affordable family-friendly units.
Proposed Changes for Family-Friendly Housing in Nanaimo
To encourage more affordable family-friendly housing in Nanaimo, the City is proposing the following changes:
Zoning Bylaw Amendments
The change: For zones in which a multi-unit development is already a permitted use, it is recommended that:
Where a multi-unit development has 10 or more units, a minimum of 30% of the units must be 2+ bedrooms, and 10% of those must be 3+ bedrooms. Thus, a maximum of 70% of the units can be one bedroom or bachelor units.
Why: This change will gently increase the amount of 2 and 3+ bedroom units in multi-unit housing developments, creating more family-friendly housing options.
The change: it is recommended to amend Schedule D (Amenity Requirements for Additional Density) in the Zoning Bylaw to allow for a density bonus (on parcels zoned for multi-unit use) as follows:
When family-friendly units are proposed within 400 metres of a public school; and,
When family-friendly units are ground-oriented, such as on the first storey of a multi storey building.
What is density bonus? A density bonus in the Zoning Bylaw is an increase to the allowable density on a parcel when certain amenities are achieved in accordance with Schedule D.
Why: This change will support family-friendly units close to schools and create more family-friendly units on the ground floor of multi-unit buildings.
The change: Amending the evaluation criteria in the City of Nanaimo Policy for Consideration of a Parking Variance.
The amendment would allow reduced parking to be considered for underground parking spaces for 3-bedroom units in a multi-unit development.
Why: This change will act as an incentive to support more family-friendly housing in multi-family developments and reduce additional costs associated with underground parking.
What is Family-Friendly Housing?
Family-friendly housing is a dwelling unit that contains 2 or more bedrooms and supports households with more than 2 persons.
Why does this matter?
Increasing housing costs has made finding housing challenging for families requiring multiple bedrooms. Single-detached houses in Nanaimo are often no longer affordable for families, and there is a need for more attainable alternatives, such as 2 and 3+ bedroom strata units, rental apartments, and townhouses. Both City Plan - Nanaimo ReImagined (2022) and the City's Affordable Housing Strategy (2018) recommended that the City of Nanaimo explore options to increase family-friendly housing. While the supply of family-friendly units is generally being built, there is a lack of affordable family-friendly units.
Proposed Changes for Family-Friendly Housing in Nanaimo
To encourage more affordable family-friendly housing in Nanaimo, the City is proposing the following changes:
Zoning Bylaw Amendments
The change: For zones in which a multi-unit development is already a permitted use, it is recommended that:
Where a multi-unit development has 10 or more units, a minimum of 30% of the units must be 2+ bedrooms, and 10% of those must be 3+ bedrooms. Thus, a maximum of 70% of the units can be one bedroom or bachelor units.
Why: This change will gently increase the amount of 2 and 3+ bedroom units in multi-unit housing developments, creating more family-friendly housing options.
The change: it is recommended to amend Schedule D (Amenity Requirements for Additional Density) in the Zoning Bylaw to allow for a density bonus (on parcels zoned for multi-unit use) as follows:
When family-friendly units are proposed within 400 metres of a public school; and,
When family-friendly units are ground-oriented, such as on the first storey of a multi storey building.
What is density bonus? A density bonus in the Zoning Bylaw is an increase to the allowable density on a parcel when certain amenities are achieved in accordance with Schedule D.
Why: This change will support family-friendly units close to schools and create more family-friendly units on the ground floor of multi-unit buildings.
The change: Amending the evaluation criteria in the City of Nanaimo Policy for Consideration of a Parking Variance.
The amendment would allow reduced parking to be considered for underground parking spaces for 3-bedroom units in a multi-unit development.
Why: This change will act as an incentive to support more family-friendly housing in multi-family developments and reduce additional costs associated with underground parking.
Project Timeline
Project Launch!
Expanding Family-Friendly Housing Options is currently at this stage
Project webpage and survey are now live!
Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness
this is an upcoming stage for Expanding Family-Friendly Housing Options
Staff will present the 'Increasing Housing Options' proposed changes to the ACAI Committee on September 6th.
Public Open House
this is an upcoming stage for Expanding Family-Friendly Housing Options
A public open house will be held on Tuesday, September 12th from 6 - 8 pm, to present the proposed changes and seek input.
this is an upcoming stage for Expanding Family-Friendly Housing Options
Staff will present recommendations to the development community to obtain input.
Design Advisory Panel
this is an upcoming stage for Expanding Family-Friendly Housing Options
Staff will present the 'Increasing Housing Options' proposed changes to the Design Advisory Panel on September 14th.
Survey Closes
this is an upcoming stage for Expanding Family-Friendly Housing Options
The survey will close on September 29th. Staff will then compile and review all public input, and revise the 'Increasing Housing Options' program as needed.
Report Back & Prepare Amending Bylaws
this is an upcoming stage for Expanding Family-Friendly Housing Options
Staff will draft the amending bylaws and prepare a report to Council for consideration. Staff will present findings and recommendations to Council for consideration of 1st and 2nd reading, and a public hearing.
