Transit Oriented Areas: How New Zoning Policy Affects Landowners

Upcoming zoning changes could increase the value of your property.

On November 30th 2023 the BC Government passed legislation requiring properties in close proximity to transit to be upzoned. These areas include:

  • Properties within 400m of a TransLink Bus Exchange
  • Properties within 800m of a SkyTrain Station

The official announcement regarding these Transit Oriented Areas (TOAs) can be found here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0063-001748. The Policy Manual with greater detail about the potential zoning changes can be found here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/TOAProvincialPolicyManual.pdf

By mid-2024, each municipality will confirm which properties fall within the prescribed boundaries of each TOA. Municipalities will also provide vital details on the implementation of their respective new zoning policies. These details will help determine the potential uplift in value for landowners. They include: the ACC rates (density bonus rates), the type of density (condo, rental or social housing), and the required site frontage.

Our team specializes in working on behalf of landowners to sell as land assemblies. If you are a property owner within a TOA and would like to learn more about the potential value of your property, please reach out by email: david.taylor@colliers.com or phone: 604-761-7044.