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VICTORIA – The Province of British Columbia has granted extensions to 21 local governments to give them more time to amend zoning bylaws and upgrade infrastructure.

Previously the B.C. government set new requirements for local governments to fix outdated zoning rules and create capacity for more row homes, triplexes and townhouses, a release said, and those local governments were required to make changes to zoning bylaws by June 30.

Those changes would allow either a minimum of one secondary suite or a detached accessory dwelling unit; a minimum of three to four dwelling units; or a minimum of six dwelling units near bus stops with frequent transit service, depending on location and population.

Communities were able to request an extension on adopting the legislation beyond the June 30 deadline for parts, or all, of their community where the requirements apply, depending on need.

Some local governments have already amended their bylaws for most areas of their community but were granted an extension for certain areas or neighbourhoods where infrastructure upgrades are needed or underway, the release said.

As of Sept. 16, the release said, 172 of 188 local governments have adopted the small-scale, multi-unit housing legislation by passing local bylaws for all areas where an extension was not requested.

Seven requests for extensions were declined from Ladysmith, the Township of Langley, Maple Ridge, Mount Waddington Regional District, Nanaimo Regional District, Sooke and View Royal.

“The province will continue to evaluate the implementation of the legislation by local governments to ensure its success in helping to deliver more row homes, triplexes and townhouses in communities throughout B.C.,” the release said.