Vernon City Hall (Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

close to final approval

Residents invited to view Vernon’s new ‘easier to use’ zoning bylaw for housing

Jun 7, 2024 | 2:00 PM

The City of Vernon is getting close to finalizing changes to its zoning bylaws to meet new provincial housing regulations.

The new rules are designed to allow local governments to provide more housing, in the right places, faster.

All municipalities in British Columbia must update their zoning bylaws by June 30, 2024 for small-scale, multi-unit housing and transit-oriented development areas.

Vernon’s changes are part of what is called Zoning Bylaw 6000 as the city transitions from Zoning Bylaw 5000.

Vernon Zoning Bylaw 6000 (City of Vernon image)

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City council approved first and second readings to ZBL 6000 during its regular meeting on May 27. A public hearing and third reading of the bylaw is scheduled for June 10, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. If the bylaw is approved during the third reading, it will be adopted on June 24.

“The City of Vernon has used this as an opportunity to create a new zoning bylaw that updates important rules,” Terry Barton, Director of Planning & Community Services, said. “By combining similar zones and land use categories, the bylaw is now easier for the public and developers to use.”

Ahead of the changes, residents and developers are encouraged to visit the city’s website to familiarize themselves with the new Zoning Bylaw 6000.

Residents can also view an interactive map displaying the new proposed zoning designations for each property within the City.