The Province of B.C. has commissioned standardized, customizable housing designs and a companion catalogue for property owners seeking to build small-scale, multi-unit housing on lots previously zoned for single-family homes and duplexes.

According to the Province, each design complies with the 2024 B.C. Building Code and can be customized for different lot sizes and configurations, with concepts available for duplex, triplex, quadplex and townhouses up to three storeys. The designs offer a variety of “building blocks” that can be mixed and matched according to the project, including number bedrooms, parking, roof shapes and exterior finishes.

“From a historic investment in public housing to cracking down on speculators to cutting red tape for different forms of housing, our government is leaving no stone unturned to deliver more housing of all kinds for people everywhere,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “Set housing designs mean that people will be able to build more beautiful homes in their communities, faster than ever before.”

The new standardized designs, which include seven different concepts for small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) and three concepts for accessory dwelling units (ADU) are anticipated to result in significant time and cost savings, and quicker approvals and construction.

“As an advocate for gentle-density housing for several years, Small Housing is thrilled to see the release of standardized housing designs in British Columbia,” said Dan Winer, executive lead, Small Housing. “These free designs will not only provide faster, more affordable housing solutions for residents across the province, but will also encourage industry and financial institutions to get behind modular and off-site construction. We applaud the provincial government and look forward to seeing these homes built in communities across our province.”

Learn more at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/construction-industry/building-codes-standards/bc-codes/innovation