October 15, 2024 – Big news for Vancouver homeowners and developers: Starting early 2025, the City of Vancouver will slash permitting times for certain multiplex projects by about 50%. This bold move introduces a streamlined Development Building Permit process, cutting bureaucracy and making it faster to bring much-needed housing options to life.This initiative is a significant milestone in the City's Permitting Improvement Program, aligning with the Council’s ambitious 3-3-3-1 Permit Approval Framework. It’s a step forward in tackling Vancouver’s housing crunch by facilitating the creation of "missing middle" homes—those essential options that fill the gap between single-detached houses and high-rise apartments.“As Vancouver grows, it’s vital that our housing reflects the diverse needs of our community,” says Mayor Ken Sim. “Streamlining multiplex development permits is a game-changer, cutting red tape to prioritize housing solutions that support our evolving city.”
What’s Changing?
Currently, multiplex developers face a two-step process: securing a development permit followed by a building permit. The new Development Building Permit combines these into a single streamlined application. The result? Less redundancy, quicker staff reviews, and fewer applicant revisions.The streamlined process will apply to projects with up to four dwellings on a single site, as long as no more than two units are housed per building. This update drastically simplifies the path from blueprints to breaking ground.“This shift will accelerate the journey from planning to construction,” says Corrie Okell, General Manager of Development, Buildings & Licensing. “It demonstrates our dedication to making the permitting process transparent, predictable, and efficient for everyone involved.”What’s Next?
The City isn’t stopping here. Plans are already in motion to expand the new permitting pathway to include a broader range of multiplex projects, further boosting housing diversity and accessibility in Vancouver.By removing bottlenecks and modernizing the permitting system, Vancouver is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and adaptable housing market—one that’s ready to meet the needs of its growing population.Is this the bold push Vancouver needs to address its housing crisis? Time will tell, but the outlook is promising.