Understanding R1-1 Zoning: What It Means for Single Family Homes

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Vancouver is introducing a new zoning rule called R1-1 to allow more homes in one area, but what does this mean for people who prefer a single family house? Not everyone wants to live with tenants, and it's important to understand the changes for single-family homes. Let's break it down:

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1. Changes to Single Family Homes: If you're looking to build a single family house, the rules have changed a bit. According to the city's zoning bylaw (you can find the details on page 00 of the bylaw, linked here), single family homes are now a bit smaller than before
2. Floor Space Ratio (FSR) Reduced: The maximum FSR (Floor Space Ratio) used to be 0.7, but now it's 0.6. FSR is like a measure of how big you can build compared to the size of your land. So, with the new rule, your new house can't be as large as before. This might not be great news if you wanted a bigger single family house.
3. Checking for Exceptions: We understand this change might not work for everyone. That's why we're contacting the city to see if there are any special conditions or exceptions, especially for those who really want a single-family home.
4. Client Case Study: We have a client who's planning to build a single-family house with a laneway house (a small house at the back). We've finished designing it and are about to submit the plans for approval. We initially thought these new rules would start in 2024, but the city has been faster in implementing them, which is quite impressive!
5. Important for Future Builders: If you're planning to build a single-family house in Vancouver, this information is crucial. Stay tuned - we're trying to find out if there's a way to build your dream home without losing that 0.1 FSR.

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We'll keep you updated on what we find out. It's all about navigating these new rules to make sure you can still build the home you want in Vancouver.