Council amends zoning, development bylaws to allow up to 6 units — 8 if they’re rentals — on single-house lots.

City councillors in Vancouver have approved sweeping changes to zoning and development bylaws that will permit multi-unit dwellings in neighbourhoods where only single homes have previously been allowed.

The change to encourage so-called multiplexes, homes with multiple units, is aimed at increasing density in areas of the city with “missing middle” housing, to help solve Vancouver’s lack of appropriate, affordable housing while maintaining the character of neighbourhoods.

The changes approved at Vancouver City Hall on Thursday will allow for three to six units on residential lots, depending on their size, at a maximum height of three storeys.

Multiplexes will be allowed to have seven or eight units only if they are purpose-built rentals, allowing for one unit to be occupied by the registered owner of the site.

“Missing middle” housing is generally defined as duplexes to fourplexes, townhomes and low-rise apartment buildings.

WATCH | Councillor on new rules encouraging multiplex housing in Vancouver:

http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2264088643873

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/multiplex-housing-vancouver-1.6967977

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