The Regional District of East Kootenay is beginning a planning process to update its zoning and land use bylaws in response to recent provincial housing legislation.
The changes are focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which are small, self-contained living spaces located on the same lot as a primary home.
These units are often known as garden suites, tiny homes or in-law suites.
“This will be a comprehensive planning process,” said RDEK planner Sarah Baines.
“It will define what ADUs are in our zoning bylaws and look at a wide range of related policies.”
ADUs can be inside, attached to, or separate from the main home and are commonly used as rental units, guest space, or additional living quarters.
No dates have been set, but RDEK says open houses, surveys, roundtable discussions and other public engagement events are being planned for late summer and fall.
A project page has been created at engage.rdek.bc.ca/housing and will be updated as the process moves forward.
The RDEK will also seek input from the Ktunaxa and Shuswap governments, Métis Associations, the Agricultural Land Commission, Interior Health, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit, and housing organizations.
Draft bylaw changes are expected to be shared with the RDEK board and the public in early 2026.
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