5. Public Hearing Requirements

In BC, public hearings depend on what is being changed:

✔ No hearing required

If a project fits existing zoning, council cannot require a hearing.
This includes:

• A standard SFD

• Any building that matches setbacks, height, and permitted use

• Suites or new units allowed under provincial legislation

✔ Hearing required

If an application requires:

• Rezoning

• OCP amendment

• Variance (height, setbacks, parking) — requires public notification

• Development permit (in designated DPAs)

✔ This is where Harrison is stuck

Provincial Bill 44 forces municipalities to allow certain types of housing without public hearing, but it does not require allowing:

• Social housing in every zone

• 13-m apartment buildings in R-1

• R-3-level densities across the village

Bylaw 1230 goes beyond the provincial minimums, so a hearing was appropriate.