The City of Delta is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) to accommodate the construction of 3,604 new housing units, (over the next five years) as mandated by the BC Government. Projections from the Province indicate that Delta’s population could increase by up to 31,000 people within the next two decades, representing a growth of nearly 28% from the current population of 112,000.
The existing OCP, established in 1985, comprises 75 distinct land use designations, often resulting in bottlenecks for development permits and requests for zoning changes. The current focus of the update revolves around various forms of residential development only. The current focus of the OCP excludes changes to conservation areas like parks, green spaces, agricultural zones (including farm residential areas), and industrial zones.
The forthcoming OCP will introduce three significant changes to address the housing demand. Firstly, it will prioritize growth in key locations with convenient access to transit, amenities, and infrastructure suitable for accommodating expansion. Proposed measures include increasing density in urban centers and major corridors, which were identified in collaboration with the engineering departments so that infrastructure such as water, and utilities are not impacted.
Secondly, the update aims to simplify land use descriptions, condensing them into ten categories to minimize development obstacles, enhance flexibility, and streamline the development process.
Thirdly, the update will permit small-scale multi-unit housing in neighbourhoods traditionally designated for single-detached homes, which include coach homes, garden suites, and duplexes. As many as four units could inhabit a typical lot.
In addition to the OCP update, the City is obligated by the Province to revise zoning bylaws by June 30, 2024, to align with the housing initiative. Proposed changes include:
• Broadening dwelling types to permit coach homes and garden suites.
• Adjusting lot size requirements to facilitate more duplexes.
• Revising parking regulations to allow one parking space per unit.
Enclosed parking spaces may not be mandatory as indicated in the draft document. Small studio units are not anticipated to require a parking space, particularly in areas near RapidBus stops.
The City plans to uphold zoning standards such as building height and setbacks. It emphasizes that the initial documents are drafts subject to review by residents, acknowledging the evolving nature of the community.
Mayor George V. Harvie stressed the importance of public engagement in understanding proposed growth areas and the impact of the new OCP.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback through various platforms, including online information sessions scheduled for March 5 and open houses in North Delta on March 6 (North Delta Rec Centre) and 14 (Delta Centre for the Arts) between 6-8 p.m. An online information session in Punjabi is also available. Feedback is welcomed until March 17, 2023.
For more information and to engage in the update process, residents can visit letstalk.delta.ca/HousingOurFuture.