British Columbia

Saanich, B.C., is looking to change parking requirement for new builds in an effort to increase green space and make housing more affordable.

Single-family homes, two-family dwellings, and attached housing in the district municipality — which is located just north of Victoria — are required to have a minimum of two parking spots per unit, while apartments require 1.5 spaces per unit.

Saanich council approved a motion Monday directing staff to work on an interim zoning bylaw amendment so new developments with fewer than 12 units will require a minimum of one stall per unit.

For new developments with more than 12 units, current minimums will switch to maximums. Apartment developments would be allowed at most 1.5 spots per unit.