Zoning Overhaul in the District of North Vancouver
In June 2025, the District of North Vancouver advanced a comprehensive suite of proposed changes to single-family zoning regulations. While these updates are not yet finalized, they mark a significant shift in how the District is thinking about housing form, livability, and climate resilience within established neighbourhoods.
Why Now?
The District’s zoning bylaw was originally adopted in 1965. As housing needs evolve and development pressures increase, the District is undertaking a full rewrite of the bylaw to improve clarity, align with environmental goals, and support gentle densification in line with its Official Community Plan (OCP).
These proposed changes apply specifically to single-family properties within the Urban Containment Boundary—areas already prioritized for modest growth. According to the District, the goal is to maintain neighbourhood character while offering more diverse and climate-responsive housing options.
Key Proposals Under Review
Here’s a breakdown of the most notable changes currently under consideration:
1. Removal of Floor Space Exemptions for Basements
Fully in-ground basements would no longer be excluded from floor space calculations. This removes the incentive for deep excavations that increase costs and reduce natural light, while also improving environmental outcomes.
2. Increase in Maximum House Height
To preserve overall buildable area, a partial third storey would be allowed—enabling basements to be “lifted” above ground for more liveable space.
3. Larger Coach Houses
Coach houses could grow from 969 sq. ft. to 1,400 sq. ft., supporting multigenerational living and creating more flexible rental or downsizing options.
4. More Flexibility in Front Yard Setbacks
Living space (not just garages) could be built closer to the street. This preserves more usable green space in backyards and allows for more varied home designs.
5. Zoning Consolidation
Over 20 single-family zoning categories could be consolidated into a simplified system—making the rules easier to understand and apply.
What This Means for Homeowners, Buyers, and Builders
These proposed changes respond to a range of District-wide goals: improving livability, encouraging housing diversity, and preparing for a more climate-resilient future. They also reflect broad public engagement and feedback.
It's important to note that the pace of change will likely remain gradual. With roughly 120 single-family homes or coach houses built or substantially renovated each year out of approximately 16,000 existing homes, the proposed changes are intended to support incremental evolution, not wholesale transformation.
What’s Next?
A draft bylaw is expected to come before Council for consideration in early fall 2025, with opportunities for additional public input. If approved, these changes could reshape the regulatory landscape for single-family housing in North Vancouver.
If you’re planning to build, renovate, or buy in the District, now is a good time to get familiar with what’s on the table. These proposals could affect how you design, develop, or value a property in the near future.
Have questions about how the proposed changes might impact your plans or property? Let’s talk—I’m always happy to walk clients through the evolving zoning framework and what it means on the ground.
