B.C.’s proposed legislation aimed at increasing small-scale, multi-unit housing in the province may face multiple bumps in the road — and still not have the desired effect of increasing affordable housing supply, according to experts who looked at similar approaches in the U.S.

The new law would require local governments to update zoning bylaws to permit multi-unit buildings on lots typically used for single-family detached homes.

It would also require one secondary suite or laneway home to be allowed on lots zoned single-family or duplex in communities throughout the province.

The changes would apply to municipalities with populations over 5,000, and the province says local governments are expected to update their bylaws to accommodate the new zoning requirements by the end of June next year.

The province estimates the initiatives could create 130,000 new, small-scale homes over the next decade.

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