Build a multiplex

Steps to apply to build a multiplex

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  Step 1: Check eligibility

  Make sure you can build a multiplex on your property, then determine which application process you need to follow.

  A. Check multiplex eligibility (all projects)

  • Site zone: Must be in these zones (check your site’s zone):
    • R1-1 PDF file (621 KB)
    • RT-7 PDF file (574 KB)
    • RT-9 PDF file (570 KB)
    • First Shaughnessy District PDF file (249 KB) 
  • Number of units: 3 to 8 units are allowed (varies by zone)
  • Site requirements, building or unit configuration, building design, and more: Refer to the Low Density Housing Options How-to Guide PDF file (17 MB)

  B: Determine which application process to follow

  When to use the streamlined application process

  • Your site is in the R1-1, RT-7, or RT-9 zones (not First Shaughnessy).
  • You're building exactly 3 to 4 units split across 2 buildings (building A: 2 units, building B: 1 to 2 units).
  • You’ll apply for all the permits at the same time (development and building).

  When to use the standard application process

  • Your site is in First Shaughnessy District.
  • Your project has a different number of units and buildings (for example, building A: 3 units, building B: 1 unit).
  • You’ll apply for 1 permit at a time: 
    • Development permit, OR
    • Building permits (if you have a development prior-to-approval letter)

  C. Work with a design professional

  We recommend hiring a residential designer or architect to prepare plans and get permits.

  What to consider early in the process

  • Check if your site:
    • Is located on an artesian well or aquifer
    • Has an underground storage tank
    • Contains a protected archaeological site External website, opens in new tab
    • Is located in the Japanese beetle regulated area
  • Build a low-energy, high-efficiency home
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  Step 2: Complete prerequisites

  A. Confirm electrical servicing requirements

  Note Contact BC Hydro several weeks before applying to check if your site needs electrical upgrades.

  Request an electrical design connection External website, opens in new tab with BC Hydro to review your project's electrical needs and existing transformer capacity.

  B. Apply for sewer and water connection permits

  Multiplexes need a:

  • Commercial sewer connection permit
  • Commercial water connection permit

  Note Have your BC-registered professional engineer (mechanical, civil) apply for the permits

  When to apply for sewer and water permits for each process

  Streamlined application process: Recommendation – Apply for sewer and water permits before applying for development and building permits.

  Standard application process: Apply for sewer and water permits after you apply for the development permit (in step 3) and receive initial feedback about servicing your lot from our water and sewer design staff.

  C. Check rainwater management requirements

  Starting July 1, 2025, most new projects with a floor space ratio (FSR) of up to 1.0 and on sites up to 1,000 m² will need to follow rainwater management is requirements. For design guidance, refer to the Low Density Housing Options How-to Guide PDF file (14 MB).

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  Step 3: Apply

  Streamlined application process

  When applying through the streamlined process, apply for multiple permits at the same time:  

  • 1 development permit
  • 2 building permits (1 for each building)
  • 1 demolition permit (if needed)
  • 1 salvage and abatement permit (if demolishing a building built in 1990 or earlier)

  Note Provide most documents with your first building permit application, including drawings that show both zoning and building compliance.

  Apply using streamlined process

  Standard application process 

  When applying through the standard process, apply for your development permit first.

  Resources to prepare your application

  • Development (DP) Application Submission Requirements PDF file (187 KB)
  • Required Development and/or Building Permit Application Form PDF file (196 KB)

  Apply using standard process

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  Step 4: Pay fees

  Note After you apply, we'll check for applications for completeness. When they’re complete, we’ll contact you to pay fees.

  If you applied for the permit:

  • Pay fees online by credit card

  If you didn't apply for the permit, but you're paying the fees:

  • Pay fees in person or by mail

  Note There's a $200 maximum for cash payments. Include your permit number on cheques.

  Streamlined application process

  If you apply through the streamline process, you'll pay fees for your development permit and building permits together.

  Standard application process

  If you apply through the standard process, you'll pay development permit fees first, then building permit fees separately after your development permit is approved.

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  Step 5: Get permits

  After we review your applications in detail and give initial approval, we'll contact to make sure you meet all the conditions and fix any deficiencies before we issue the permits.

  Streamlined application process

  If you applied through the streamlined process, we’ll give you all your permits after you meet all the conditions and fix any deficiencies.

  Standard application process

  If you applied through the standard process, we’ll:

  • Send you a prior-to-approval letter for your development permit application
  • Let you know when to apply for building permits

  If you need different ways to meet building requirements, learn about alternative solutions.

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  Step 6: Start construction

  After we issue your building permits, you can begin work. 

  Before you start 

  • Begin work within 6 months or your permit becomes invalid. 
  • Apply for trade permits (plumbing, electrical, gas, fire sprinkler). 
  • Apply for a construction street use permit and temporary street occupancy permit, if needed. 
  • Get a Movement Certificate from CFIA if you’ll move soil or plant materials outside of a regulated area to prevent the spread of the Japanese beetle. 

   During construction 

  • Keep 1 printed copy of your City-approved permit at the jobsite. 
  • Keep 1 full-sized set of City-approved drawings with the acceptance stamp at the jobsite. 
  • Book inspections at various construction stages. 

   After construction 

  • Apply for occupancy permits. 

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