The City of Vancouver will cut permitting times in early 2025 for certain multiplex applications by approximately 50 per cent through a streamlined development building permit application pathway.

This initiative is a major milestone for the city’s Permitting Improvement Program. The goal is to bring it closer to achieve the city council-adopted 3-3-3-1 Permit Approval Framework and enable faster approval of much-needed housing.

“As Vancouver grows and evolves, it’s crucial that our housing options meet the diverse needs of our community,” says Mayor Ken Sim. “The streamlined development building permit for multiplexes is a key example of how we’re cutting red tape and prioritizing the approval of more ‘missing middle’ housing, which bridges the gap between single-detached homes and large apartment buildings.”

Currently, multiplex projects are required to apply for a separate development permit followed by a building permit. The development building permit combines these two processes into one application. This eliminates redundancies and significantly reduces both staff review time and applicant revision requirements. Multiplex applications with up to four dwellings on a single site and no more than two units per building will qualify.

“This change will streamline the journey from planning to construction for multiplex developers,” says Corrie Okell, general manager, Development, Buildings & Licensing. “It underscores our commitment to transparency, predictability, accuracy, consistency, and timeliness in the permitting process.”

Looking ahead, the city plans to expand the development building permit pathway to encompass more types of multiplex developments, further supporting the growth and diversity of Vancouver’s housing market.