City council recently endorsed a public consultation process for a proposal to pre-zone the 72nd Avenue corridor in North Delta.
The plan would incentivize and expedite the construction of new townhouse projects in the area.
It’s part of Delta’s Housing Accelerator Fund implementation, funded by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
“While pre-zoning to allow for townhouses is consistent with the Official Community Plan and a public hearing is not permitted to be held, the city is committed to facilitating opportunities both on-line and in-person for individuals to engage in consultation and provide feedback for this initiative,” a staff report notes.
Consistent with the Mixed Residential (MR) land use designation in Delta’s OCP, three townhouse projects have already been constructed along the 72nd Avenue corridor since 2018, the report adds.
Meantime, the city also recently announced it is launching a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Concierge Service to support homeowners looking to add coach houses or garden suites to their property. The intent is to provide interested residents with a dedicated service to answer questions about ADUs and help navigate the permitting process.
In 2024, council approved a bylaw amendment to permit small-scale, multi-unit housing (SSMUH) on any property that was zoned for single-detached or duplex dwellings, an amendment mandated by the province.
Delta’s SSMUH regulations are intended to expedite the approval of multiple units on existing lots by using the building permit application process to replace the need for rezoning or subdivision applications.
A recent report notes staff were developing a program to support and encourage the development of ADUs throughout Delta, including developing an ADU “concierge” to help homeowners and prospective developers navigate the application process. They would compile a catalogue of ADU designs from the province and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation that would be permitted in Delta.
Surrey introducing even more streamlining
Meanwhile, in the City of Surrey, that council recently endorsed several housing development and permitting improvements aimed at streamlining operations, clarifying expectations for applicants and simplifying the overall processes.
The effort builds on the city’s extensive work in reducing permit timelines and other administrative processes, all focused on achieving faster, more efficient development outcomes, according to the city.
Surrey council also approved the city’s latest Housing Target Progress Report, detailing the Surrey’s progress in meeting housing targets set out by the province.
On June 25, 2024, the minister of housing issued Surrey a five-year housing target, effective July 1, 2024, until June 30, 2029, of 27,256 net new units to be constructed.
During the reporting period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the city granted occupancy to a total of 6,488 net new units, which is 53 per cent above the first-year target of 4,233 net new units, according to the report.
Also according to the city, currently, there are over 45,100 units with rezoning conditional approval awaiting construction and over 13,100 units with issued building permits that are at various stages of construction.
The city also notes it is focused on accelerating the approval and development of housing projects, having implemented more than 30 process improvements aimed at reducing timelines, increase efficiency and support the development community to deliver housing.
