Initial Round of Housing Amendments

On February 26, 2024, City Council gave first reading to a bylaw to amend the Zoning Bylaw that, if adopted, will enable more housing to be developed throughout Whitehorse. The proposed amendments include:

1. Allow up to four (4) units per lot in all urban ‘single detached’ residential zones;
2. Relax site coverage and setbacks in some zones where additional units are provided;
3. Relax living and garden suite regulations to allow them in more places:
   • Allow suites in RR zone
   • Allow suites in duplex, triplex, and townhouse housing
   • Allow two suites on any lot where suites are allowed
4. Enable more units in RCM – Comprehensive Residential Multiple Family and RCM3 – Cottage Cluster Homes zones; and
5. Relax some parking regulations:
   • Eliminate visitor parking and loading space requirements for multiple housing in commercial zones
   • Reduce parking requirements for living/garden suites

A public hearing was held on March 25, 2024. The public hearing is now closed, and no further input on this bylaw can be submitted to Council. City staff presented a Public Hearing Report to Council on April 15, 2024. Council will make a decision on the proposed amendments April 22, 2024.

For additional details on what these proposed amendments mean, please review our Guide to Proposed Changes.

Still have questions? Ask a question right here in our Zoning Questions Corner, so others can see as well.