Infill Housing and Single Family Residential

Updated April 25, 2024

What is changing?

The City is making changes to Salmon Arm Zoning Bylaw 2303, to put into effect the increases in density that the Province of BC has mandated via the Local Government Act on all residential lands zoned for one and two family dwelling use.  The change: most residential properties within the urban containment boundary AND serviced by both City water and sewer will be allowed to have up to four (4) dwelling units under the umbrella of “Small-scale Multi-unit Housing” (SSMUH).  This process is anticipated to be complete by June 30th of 2024.
                                                 Stay tuned: click on the links below for updated information as the process proceeds.

For answers to general questions about the zoning changes go to this short FAQ sheet: FAQ sheet.

What does the zoning of Salmon Arm residential properties permit now?

At present, and until the Zoning Bylaw is amended, nothing has changed thus R-1 properties continue to allow one single family dwelling only. The R-2 zone allows a duplex and the R-8 allows a principal dwelling and either a suite or an accessory detached dwelling on the parcel.

When the Zoning Bylaw is complete (June 30th, 2024) property owners can then determine the detailed zoning regulations that will apply to their property. A building permit and in some cases development permit as well as registration under the Homeowners Protection Act may also be required.

For the history of Council reports regarding these changes, in order as they are put before Council:

Development Procedures Bylaw No. 4640

Bylaw 4640 replaces several exiting short bylaws and parts of bylaws.It establishes how development applications are processed and delegates specific but limited permits to expedite the process.

Zoning Bylaw General Regulations & the R-10 – Residential Zone Bylaw No. 4653

Bylaw 4653 adds and revises several definitions related to the mandated housing and density changes. It replaces three existing zones: R-1, R2 and R-8 with a new “R-10 Residential Zone” and - in effect - rezones all these properties to R-10. This new zone enables additional secondary suites and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) based upon parcel area and imposes setbacks, heights, parcel coverage and permeability.

OCP Design Guidelines for Infill Residential Development Permit Area (DPA) Bylaw No. 4654

Bylaw 4654 adds a new DPA that relates to housing and density changes in zoning. It sets form and character guidelines and policies for the streetscape/context, site planning, architectural design, and safe access for all cases where three or four buildings accommodate dwelling units on a single residential property.

How does Small-scale Multi-unit Housing fit into the City of Salmon Arm context?

Looking at City zoning for single family residential use, over 3,660 properties are currently zoned R-1. This is the majority of lands within the Urban Containment Boundary or UCB.

The existing R-1 as well as R-2, R-3, R-4, R-7, R-8, and R-9, as revised or combined and renamed, will allow more density; however, the number of additional units is limited by a number of factors including: topography, geo-hazards, parcel configuration and size, floodplain/ riparian, utility capacity, etc. As well, the Zoning Bylaw will continue to regulate building height, setbacks to property lines, and the limit in parcel coverage by buildings. We are also proposing to limit how much of a residential parcel can be covered with impermeable or “hard” surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and non-green roofs. 

To view videos of the presentations at Council meetings and Council deliberations on these changes:

What about the in-progress Official Community Plan (OCP) update?

Since a critical function of any OCP is to estimate future growth and housing demand and to allocate adequate land to meet that demand, the SSMUH changes in density will play a critical part the OCP updates.  Follow the link to find out more information about the OCP Review.

How does this fit into the BC context?

The requirement to allow increased density is just one part of a framework of changes and programs. Follow the link for information about the Province's "Homes for People" initiatives.