The City of Burnaby invites residents, builders and all interested parties to a public hearing on the updated R1 Zoning Bylaw, taking place Monday, November 24 at 5 pm. This hearing is an opportunity for the community to share feedback on how Burnaby is implementing new provincial housing legislation in a way that balances neighbourhood character with the need for more housing options.
Recent changes to Burnaby’s zoning bylaws were made to comply with the Province’s Bill 44 (2023), which requires municipalities to allow increased density—up to four units per lot and up to six near frequent transit. Burnaby’s approach is to meet these requirements while taking extra steps to protect the unique qualities of our neighbourhoods.
Burnaby remains committed to transparency, community engagement and finding solutions that work for everyone.
Details:
- Date: Monday, November 24
- Time: 5 pm
- Location: Council Chamber, Burnaby City Hall, 4949 Canada Way
Learn more: Meeting agenda
Background: Providing clarity about how Burnaby is responding to provincial housing legislation
In response to provincial legislation mandating increased housing density across our region, Burnaby was required to update its zoning bylaws to comply with the legislation.
These changes are complex and, to meet provincial deadlines, were implemented quickly, leading to understandable confusion and questions in our community. To help clarify what’s required by the Province and how Burnaby is responding, we’re addressing some of the common areas where clarification is required. Our goal is to ensure residents and builders alike have accurate information about what the City is doing—and why.
Through careful interpretation of provincial legislation, ongoing community engagement and responsive policy adjustments, Burnaby aims to support responsible growth—preserving the character of our neighbourhoods, meeting the needs of current and future residents and fostering a vibrant, inclusive city.
Fact sheet:
Burnaby has been mandated to significantly upzone single-family areas.
In 2023, the Province mandated increased density through Bill 44, requiring municipalities to allow up to 4 units per lot (and up to 6 near frequent transit). Burnaby is required by law to meet these minimum requirements and updated its zoning bylaw in 2024 to comply. Other municipalities across the region are making similar zoning changes to meet provincial requirements.
Burnaby only allows the number of units (density) that the Province requires.
The Province’s legislation sets out the minimum number of units allowed, based on lot size and location. Burnaby permits only the number of units required by provincial legislation.
Burnaby’s height regulations are lower than the Province’s guidelines.
The Province recommends buildings of at least 11 metres in height. Burnaby originally allowed up to 12 metres to align with its 3-storey townhouse zoning, but City Council is advancing a motion to reduce the maximum to 10 metres in response to resident concerns.
Burnaby allows the same number of storeys as the Province recommends.
Burnaby’s zoning only allows 3 full storeys above ground, which aligns with the Province’s guidelines. (Note: The Province does not count a basement as a storey, but Burnaby’s bylaw does so some language says 4 storeys).
Burnaby zoning bylaw permits less lot coverage for new buildings than the Province recommends.
Burnaby’s permitted lot coverage is less than what the Province recommends—only up to 40-50% compared to the Province’s 60%. This leaves more space for landscaping, trees and parking.
Burnaby requires builders to build homes further from the edges of the property than the Province recommends.
Burnaby has greater setbacks from property lines than the Province recommends, in most cases. For example, Burnaby Council is advancing a motion that includes requiring a 4-metre front yard setback versus the Province’s 2 metres.
Building distance (setbacks) required from the edge of the property (in metres)
| Front | Side | Back | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Province | 2 m | 4 units - 1.2 m 6 units - 0 m |
1.5 m |
| City of Burnaby | 4 m | 4 units - 1.2 m 6 units - 1.2 m Corner lot - 3 m |
3 m (no lane) 1.5 m (with a lane) |
Burnaby supports additional density, but not the one-size-fits-all approach from the Province.
Before the Province’s mandate, Burnaby was planning incremental changes for “missing middle” housing, based on community feedback rather than a one-size-fits-all approach mandated by the Province. The City’s Housing Choices program involved extensive community engagement in 2022 and 2023. Throughout our engagement, the majority of residents expressed support for gentle density, delivered in a sensitive way.
Burnaby requires more parking than the Province recommends, in areas where the City has authority to set requirements.
For transit-oriented areas and areas with frequent bus service, provincial rules allow builders to exclude parking. This accounts for roughly 57% of Burnaby’s residential lots. Where Burnaby controls parking, City Council is advancing a motion to the bylaw to require 1 parking spot for the first unit and 0.5 parking spots for each additional unit (rounded up).