INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is announcing the adoption of amendments to the Okanagan Valley Zoning Bylaw in order to update regulations related to secondary suites.

The amendments are part of the Regional District Board of Directors' strategic initiative to “Optimize the Development Approval Process” and reflect both recent provincial direction and updates to the BC Building Code.

The amendments will:

• Improve consistency with current provincial regulations
• Reduce administrative barriers; and
• Provide greater flexibility for homeowners and housing options in rural areas

“These updates will make it easier for property owners to add secondary suites and support a wider range of housing options across the region,” said Mark Pendergraft, RDOS chair. “The amendments will also help ensure local regulations reflect current provincial standards and the needs of rural communities.”

Key features of the zoning changes include:

• Removal of floor area restrictions (previous limits on the size of secondary suites have been removed)
• Secondary suites permitted in duplexes (secondary suites are now permitted within duplex dwelling units, where previously they were limited to single detached dwellings)
• Updated density allowances on larger parcels (accessory residential density allowances have been expanded within the Small Holdings Three and Four (SH3 & SH4), Large Holdings (LH), Agriculture (AG) and Resource Area (RA) Zones

Why these changes are being made:

• Provincial updates to the BC Building Code that removed restrictions on secondary suite size and expanded where suites may be permitted
• Provincial direction to support housing supply and reduce barriers to residential development
• RDOS Board objectives to streamline development approvals and modernize zoning regulations

The update is also intended to increase housing availability, support multi-generational living arrangements, and provide greater flexibility for property owners.

For further information, contact the RDOS Planning Department at 250-490-4108 or email planning@rdos.bc.ca.

-30-

Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:
RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

Voyent Alert! Be safe, be informed, be involved in your community.
Register to receive routine and emergency notifications from the RDOS via email, text, or phone.
Contact RDOS Communications for assistance with your account.