A municipality in BC wants to rezone a parcel from single-family residential to multi-family. Under the Local Government Act, what process must be followed?

Q: What is the correct answer to: A municipality in BC wants to rezone a parcel from single-family residential to multi-family. Under the Local Government Act, what process must be followed?

The correct answer is Council must give the bylaw three readings, hold a public hearing after second reading, and adopt the bylaw by a fourth reading vote. Option B is correct because BC's Local Government Act (Part 14) prescribes a specific process for zoning amendment bylaws. Council gives first and second readings, followed by a mandatory public hearing (held after second reading but before third reading). After the public hearing, council votes on third reading, and then proceeds to adoption (effectively a fourth reading vote). Council may waive the public hearing only if the rezoning is consistent with the OCP under certain circumstances as permitted by the Act.

Q: What background knowledge is needed for this Land Use & Planning question?

Under BC's Local Government Act, a zoning bylaw amendment follows a prescribed legislative process. Council gives first reading (introduction), second reading (general approval), then a public hearing is held to receive community input. After the public hearing, council votes on third reading, and if passed, proceeds to adoption. Between third reading and adoption, council may impose conditions. The public hearing is mandatory unless waived under specific OCP-consistency provisions. This process typically takes several months and involves staff reports, public notices, and community engagement.

Q: What is a good way to remember the answer to this Land Use & Planning question?

Remember the rezoning sequence: '1-2-Hear-3-Adopt' — First reading, Second reading, Public Hearing, Third reading, Adoption. The hearing always comes between second and third readings. When the exam asks about rezoning process, recall '1-2-Hear-3-Adopt' to confirm the correct sequence and that the public hearing falls between second and third readings.

Q: What exam tip applies to this Land Use & Planning question?

The key detail tested is the timing of the public hearing — it occurs after second reading but before third reading. Also remember that the mayor cannot act unilaterally; council votes on the bylaw.

Q: How does this Land Use & Planning concept apply in real world practice?

A municipality wants to rezone a single-family lot to allow a 4-storey apartment building. Staff prepares a report, council gives first and second readings. A public hearing is advertised and held, where neighbours voice concerns about traffic. After considering input, council votes on third reading, then adopts the bylaw. The entire process from application to adoption takes about 6-12 months.

Question

Land Use & PlanningBCHARD

A municipality in BC wants to rezone a parcel from single-family residential to multi-family. Under the Local Government Act, what process must be followed?

Answer Options

A

The mayor can approve the rezoning unilaterally

B

Council must give the bylaw three readings, hold a public hearing after second reading, and adopt the bylaw by a fourth reading vote

C

A province-wide referendum is required

D

The rezoning is automatic if the OCP supports densification