What is small scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH)?
Small-scale multi-unit housing, missing-middle housing, and infill housing are all terms that describe ground-oriented homes with multiple units that can fit into existing single-family neighborhoods.

What is the new SSMUH law passed by the Province of BC?
It is new legislation that requires all BC municipalities to amend their zoning bylaws to allow infill housing on single-family and duplex parcels. The Province requiresthat 4 housing units must be allowed on each urban serviced parcel larger than 280m2 (~3,000ft2 ) and 2 units on other lands. It has also set policy that must be considered in zoning, including regulation of: height, setbacks, off road parking, coverage, etc.

Why did the Province make these changes for increased density?
This is just one of several changes to deal with a “housing crisis” decades in the making and comprising of the following: increasing homeless population; increasing overall population; low rental vacancy rate; homes shifting to short term rentals and/or speculation; chronic lack of affordable housing; and unprecedented post-pandemic price increases.

What changes must the City of Salmon Arm complete by JUNE 30, 2024? The City must update its Zoning Bylaw to comply with the legislation by the end of June, 2024. The changes will enable up to 4 units on the vast majority of low density residential parcels, e.g.: a home with a suite and an accessory dwelling unit in the yard or a duplex with a secondary suite in each half. Smaller parcels < 280m2 in area will allow up to 3 units.

Will Council hold a public hearing? How do I submit input?
No: under the new BC law, Council is prohibited from holding a public hearing. While we will collect written input, the process is to “inform” you rather than asking “what do you think.” In the future the most appropriate way to provide input on residential uses and density would be through the Official Community Plan. Kindly note that Salmon Arm is currently engaging with the public on the City’s Official Community Plan update which is related to infill housing. Your input will help with this work.

Will this increase my property taxes or property value?
Since it is up to BC Assessment to set your assessment - which then determines your property taxes - it is unknown at present. BC Assessment has suggested that impact of these types of changes to property value may be minimal because broad zoning changes do not have a discernable impact on land value. For example, when a single property is zoned to allow 4 units, the value may increase as it is the only property with this density. But when almost all residential properties are zoned to allow 4 units, the value increase is minimal as it is universal (minimizing the added value to your specific property).

Will our infrastructure have capacity for the added housing density?
New infill development must be connected to water and sewer. Infrastructure requirements are identified and then resolved during the development permit and/or building permit approval processes. The City Engineering Department undertakes ongoing assessments to determine available capacity in the system and prioritizes plans for future upgrades. There may be parts of Salmon Arm where the system (sewer and/or water) may need to be installed or upgraded to support infill housing. The costs for this are typically paid by the developer. The City then maintains, operates and replaces these works. SMALL-SCALE MULTI-UNIT HOUSING FAQs February/2024 Photo of SSMUH from “Homes for People” Wharf Wastewater Lift Station June 30th

If I live in a dwelling on a bare-land strata, will this change my zoning?
The new zoning will apply to all eligible properties regardless of the type of subdivision that created the parcels in the zone. Strata corporations may make bylaws regarding the type of building that may be constructed on a bare land strata lot, and owners would need to comply with all strata bylaws.

How many housing units can I build on my property? When can I start construction?
At present, and until the Zoning Bylaw is amended, nothing has changed. When the Zoning Bylaw is complete (June 30th, 2024) property owners can then determine the detailed zoning regulations that will apply to their property. A building permit and in some cases development permit as well as registration under the Homeowners Protection Act may also be required. What about dwelling setbacks, heights, size, lot coverage? The provisions that regulate or limit “build-out” that are currently in effect in the Zoning Bylaw still apply but these will be examined as a part of the process. Council may or may not revise these. As a part of the legislation, the Province has established guidelines that the City must consider when regulating build-out via the Zoning Bylaw. The regulations must be reasonable and must support infill housing without effectively precluding it by significantly increasing setbacks or decreasing parcel coverage. Bylaw requirements for off-street parking for each dwelling unit must also considered. The Province has suggested that these be decreased.

Will the existing size limit of 90m2 (968ft2 ) for secondary suite & accessory dwelling units remain?
The Zoning Bylaw currently caps suite size; however, the unit may be within a much larger accessory building, especially on large parcels. The benefits and drawbacks to increasing this cap will be considered by Council as a part of the process. Neighbours may be concerned about excessively large buildings that block views and reduce greenspace - be they accessory suites or accessory storage buildings.

How could this change my neighbourhood?
With the changes, you are likely to see many housing forms other than traditional single family homes. How quickly the changes take place will be dependent on how many of your neighbours choose to take advantage of the new housing options that provincial legislation has enabled.

I have an illegal suite. Is it legal now?
No. Despite that zoning and density may enable your suite, you still require a building permit and occupancy certificate to ensure compliance with the BC Building Code. This protects you and your tenants. Note that this is the case even if you are paying extra for utilities and garbage/recycling.

Where can I find more information?
For Bylaw changes & Council reports go to https://www.salmonarm.ca/ and search “small scale multi-unit housing”
For more general info & background go to the BC Ministry of Housing: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/housing

Today, we're going to talk about something called foreclosure properties in British Columbia. This is basically when someone can't pay back the money they borrowed to buy a house, so the bank or lender has to take over and sell the house to get their money back.

**Scroll down to the bottom for the simplified version

Understanding Foreclosure Properties - when someone can't pay their mortgage, the bank asks the court for permission to sell the house. This process is called foreclosure. The bank then takes control of selling the house, but the court has to approve everything to make sure it's fair.

Pricing and Negotiation -  When the bank sells the house, they have to make sure they're selling it for a fair price. This means they have to show the court that they've tried to sell it for the right amount of money.

Subject Conditions - when someone wants to buy a foreclosed house, they might have some conditions, like checking if the house is okay or getting a loan. But even if they agree on a price, the court still has to say it's okay.

"As Is, Where Is" Condition -  One important thing to know is that when you buy a foreclosed house, it's usually sold "as is, where is." This means the bank can't tell you much about the condition of the house, so you need to check it out yourself.

Application and Court Approval  - Once everyone agrees on the sale, the bank has to ask the court to approve it. They have to show the court all the details of the sale and why they think it's fair.

Public Disclosure -  All the information about the sale, like how much it's sold for, is made public. Other people can come to court and try to buy the house too.

Court Process and Approval At court - the judge looks at all the offers and picks the best one. But sometimes, if the offers aren't good enough, they might not approve any of them.

Vesting Order and Completion -  When everything's approved, the court gives something called a Vesting Order. This tells the court to transfer the house to the new owner and clear any debts on the property.

Buying a foreclosed house might seem tricky, but it's important to follow all these steps to make sure everything is fair and legal. It's a big responsibility, but it can also be a great opportunity to get a new home!

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**SIMPLIFIED PROCESS**

Where does the initial offer go for approval in the foreclosure process?

In the foreclosure process, the initial offer is sent to the lawyer for approval. The lawyer reviews the offer and may either accept it or suggest changes before sending it back to us. Upon acceptance by the lawyer, the buyer proceeds to address any remaining conditions. 

What occurs after we remove our subjects during the foreclosure process?

After removing subjects in the foreclosure process, a court date is scheduled. During the period leading up to this court date, usually 3-4 days prior, interested parties have the opportunity to submit additional offers. The lawyer overseeing the process determines this deadline and notifies us accordingly. If there are other offers, the original accepted offer also retains the option to submit a revised offer during this timeframe. At the court date, the judge reviews all offers and selects the one to accept, subsequently establishing a completion date.

If the judge chooses our offer what happens then?

After the deal is approved, the Court issues what's called a "Vesting Order." This order, given by the Court, instructs the Registrar to transfer the property title to the successful bidder. The Vesting Order also clears any financial limitations on the new owner's rights under the title. However, it doesn't remove non-financial limitations like access easements or restrictive covenants. Usually, completion and possession occur 14-30 days after court approval.

Curious to know how the market’s doing in your neighbourhood? Email me and I’ll prepare a quick customized report for you!

Jez Nichols
CIR Realty Shuswap
Salmon Arm BC
Message me: 250-515-5391
Send me an email: jeznichols@gmail.com