Zoning is the main tool used by municipalities to control development and to shape the city. Zoning outlines how a property may be used and sets the general rules (e.g. size, height, location) for buildings and development on a property. Instead of zoning, the Meadowbrook neighbourhood is regulated by a more rigid tool, the Land Use Contract (LUC).
In 2014, the Province changed the Local Government Act to require that all remaining land use contracts (LUCs) within British Columbia automatically expire on June 30, 2024. This amendment means local government must change zoning regulations for all properties that are currently under land use contracts. These new zoning regulations are to be approved by June 30, 2022.
The last LUC in Coquitlam is located in the Meadowbrook area. To meet the provincial requirements set out in the Local Government Act, the City of Coquitlam is rezoning the Meadowbrook LUC properties and cancelling the Land Use Contract.
This process aims to put new zoning in place which mirrors, as closely as possible, what has been allowed on a property through the LUC. It is important to remember that this is not an exact process. Changes to development rules and regulations since 1974 (when the Meadowbrook LUC was adopted) mean that some of what was allowed under land use contracts is no longer considered best practice, and will need to be updated. Efforts will be made to ensure that existing uses and buildings in Meadowbrook will not be affected by this change. But new development or significant renovations within the community will be required to meet the new zoning regulations, building code, and development standards.
Draft Comprehensive Development (CD) Zone
The draft Comprehensive Development (CD) Zone is now complete and available for review. For more information on the draft zone, including a brief explanation of how it is the same as the LUC, or where it is different, please review the Draft CD Zone Explained document.
If you have more questions regarding the draft Zone or the LUC cancellation process, project planners will be hosting two Online Question and Answer Sessions on the following dates:
- Wednesday, March 30, 12:00-1:00 pm.
- Thursday, March 31, 7:00-8:00 pm.
Sessions will take place via Zoom. Registration is required.
How to Get Involved
Visit the project page to find more information, sign up for email notifications, or post questions for City staff. Alternatively, you can contact Sara McCartney, Project Planner by email or 604-927-3993.
More opportunities for input will be provided during the rezoning phase of the project, for example through a public hearing. All residents and owners in the LUC area will receive notification about the public hearing by mail.