The City's Official Community Plan supports the construction of a variety of housing options and encourages infill development and densification in existing neighbourhood centres. The term "infill" refers to development within existing neighbourhoods that does not require the extension of City services (storm, sewer, water) or the construction of new roads. Infill development is widely accepted as a sustainable form of development because mature neighbourhoods are often closer to amenities and transit. This allows residents to walk or take transit rather than drive.
Infill is also financially sustainable because it allows more people to utilize services that already exist (such as pipes for water, sewage, and roads), and avoids the requirement to expand pipes and roads, which all require ongoing maintenance. The benefits of infill development include:
- No need to expand and construct new roads and sewer/water lines
- No increase in snow removal
- Vacant lots and older buildings are revitalized
- Amenities and services are nearby
- Older neighbourhoods have mature vegetation, trees, parks and schools nearby.
- Rural areas and green space are preserved
Secondary Suites
Secondary suites introduce gentle densification into residential neighbourhoods, while providing a means of creating affordable housing for both homeowners and renters. Secondary suites are permitted in all single-family dwellings throughout the City of Prince George.
Learn about
secondary suite building requirements for new and existing suites.
Narrow Lot Housing - RS4 Zone
In 2014, the City of Prince George completed the narrow lot housing initiatives, which makes it easier to construct new houses in Prince George's mature, inner-city neighbourhoods. Houses constructed on RS4 zoned, narrow lots (less than 11 m) must meet the
City's Intensive Residential Development Permit Guidelines (bylaw 8063). The design guidelines ensure that new homes respect the form and character of the surrounding neighbourhood and achieve a high quality design standard.