- May 21, 2024 Report to Council.
- April 23, 2024 Report to Council.
Small Scale Multi Unit Housing
Getting started
The Zoning Bylaw allows Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH), with necessary approvals, on lots traditionally zoned for single-family development to increase density and help with growth and affordability.
You can have:
- Up to three units on lots less than 280 square metres.
- Up to four units on lots greater than 280 square metres.
Our bulletin outlines duplex servicing scenarios for those looking to develop SSMUHs that meet city requirements:
What do SSMUHs look like in West Kelowna?
The following combinations of three to four units are permitted on specified residential lots to reflect a neighbourhoods first approach that balances provincial legislation, providing housing, and maintaining character:
- Single detached dwelling with secondary suite and carriage house – three units.
- Single detached dwelling and carriage house with secondary suite - three units.
- Duplex with one secondary suite - three units.
- Townhouse in select zones - three or four units.
- Single detached dwelling with secondary suite and carriage house with suite - four units.
- Duplex with two secondary suites - four units
For more information, please refer to the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Bulletin.
Development regulation considerations
To further facilitate SSMUHs, parking requirements are reduced in select zones for secondary suites and carriage houses. Lot coverage, heights and setbacks are equally or more permissive. Subdivision regulations such as lot frontage and minimum parcel sizes remain the same.
- Building Permits
- Required for all SSMUHs and additional off-site utility upgrades may be required. Development cost charges may also apply depending on building configurations. Please contact Development Engineering staff for any utility service or DCC questions.
- Development Permits
- Required for all townhouse developments with three or more units as per our Official Community Plan which will evaluate form and character, site layout and other design elements related to SSMUHs. Projects may be subject to additional environmental development permits.
Important note: Not all housing forms noted above are permitted on all lots. Property specifics, development regulations, utility servicing and other development considerations may limit development scope and unit configuration. It is important to know the zoning of your property and consult the city’s Zoning Bylaw for specific development regulations prior to making plans. If you have questions, please contact us.
Background information
Small scale multi-unit housing:
- Addresses supply, diversity and affordability of housing for the long term.
- Meets provincial requirements while taking a neighbourhoods-first approach to maintain West Kelowna’s character.
- Involves legislative changes in West Kelowna’s Zoning Bylaw that are zone-specific.
- Developers and property owners must consult the bylaw before creating development plans.
- Plex or townhouse-style development is only permitted in certain areas while other building configurations focus on forms already seen throughout traditional single-family properties in our community.
Legislative updates - Zoning Bylaw
The City’s Zoning Bylaw was updated to align with provincial legislation to permit additional dwelling units as of right on single-family-zoned lots.
Council adopted the necessary Zoning Bylaw amendments on May 21, 2024.
The City analyzed all lots to determine where changes would apply given the legislative criteria and Provincial Policy Manual. The policy manual on best practices for implementing SSMUH and the city consider this when updating zones.
· Single-family detached homes were becoming out of reach with 70 to 85 per cent of privately held residential land in B.C. allocated for single-family detached housing (source: Provincial Policy Manual & Site Standards).
Without adjustments, residents may struggle to find housing to meet their needs. Revised zoning requirements aim to create housing diversity to meet residents’ needs and keep supply from falling further behind.
In November 2023, the Government of B.C. passed Bill 44, which contained regulatory requirements to help increase housing supply, create more diverse choices and, over
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