Kitsilano Construction and Design Looks Ahead to Vancouver Zoning Changes

Vancouver, Canada, December 08, 2017 --(PR.com)-- On October 3rd, 2017, the City of Vancouver council approved the Character Home Zoning Review, a set of measures intended to encourage the retention of pre-1940 homes while increasing residential density in many neighborhoods. Common in neighborhoods such as Strathcona, Mount Pleasant and Commercial Drive, these character constructions have been threatened by a push towards townhouses and row houses in these areas. The new regulations that are expected to come into place in early 2018 will give character home owners the following benefits when they apply to renovate or expand their homes:

- Increased Floor Space Ratio, from 0.7 to 0.75, allowing larger home additions
- Multiple conversion Dwellings at 0.75 FSR allowed on smaller lots
- Infill and Laneway homes allowed at up to 0.83 FSR, allowing larger secondary buildings and easier permit acquisition
- Easier to obtain permits for strata titling, allowing for duplex/triplex titles on buildings (including basement suites)

These zoning changes encourage owners of character homes to renovate their buildings, drastically increasing their value and creating investment opportunities from their existing properties, while ensuring these examples of historical Vancouver architecture remain intact.

Kitsilano Construction and Design, a Vancouver renovation company has been carefully watching these proposed measures. Specialists in Character Home remodeling, their staff has been reacting with excitement to the proposed changes. "Many Vancouver character homes are in danger of demolition with the push towards densification," said Office Manager Christopher Gordon. "These new measures should be helpful in meeting the goals of both promoting density and retaining neighborhood character."

Properties must meet both of the following criteria to qualify for the Character Home Retention benefits:

- Located in RS1/1a/1b, RS2, RS4, RS5, RS6, RS7 or RS3/3a Zoning areas
- Pre-1940 Construction
- Have original building massing and primary roof form

As well as four out of the following:

- An original open or partially filled in front porch
- Original exterior cladding or cladding consistent with pre-1940 construction
- At least 50% of Window openings at original size, location and shape
- Two or more period decorative elements: eg. brick stone chimney, brackets, beams or joist ends
- Streetscape context: 2 other homes on the street qualify as well

Homeowners uncertain about their qualification can view the informational presentation boards at the City of Vancouver's website or contact Kitsilano Construction and Design at 604-803-8436 for more information.