Build a multiplex dwelling

A. Determine if your site is eligible for a new multiplex

Review the how-to guide and zoning regulations to determine if your site is eligible for a new multiplex.  These resources will help you plan the design and other key details of your multiplex proposal, such as how many units are allowed on your site.

• Check what zone your property is in
  • Learn about zoning
• Review the Low Density Housing Options How-to Guide PDF file (17 MB)
  • Refer to Section 3.2 for site eligibility
• Review the zoning regulations in the First Shaughnessy District PDF file (249 KB), R1-1 PDF file (621 KB), RT-7 PDF file (574 KB), and RT-9 PDF file (570 KB) District Schedules

B. Review other property attributes that may affect the construction of a new multiplex

• Check if the site is on an artesian well or aquifer
  • Learn about artesian wells and aquifers
• Check if the site has an underground oil storage tank
• Review requirements:
  • Building energy 
  • Removing soil to contain the spread of Japanese beetle
• Consider incentives:
  • Build a low-energy, high-efficiency home

C. Engage a design professional

When a separate development permit is required, we recommend that you engage with a qualified design professional to help you navigate the process. 

D. Contact City staff

Are you looking for general advice on regulations or submission requirements? Please contact the Development and Building Services Centre.

We strongly recommend that you get advice and feedback on how your proposed design or land use addresses applicable by-laws, policies, and guidelines before you submit a formal development permit application. We are available to answer your questions and provide guidance on your proposal at any time.

BC Hydro may require electrical transformer capacity upgrades for the site.

Several weeks before you apply for a development permit, request an electrical design connection with BC Hydro to:

• Review your project's electrical needs and the area's existing transformer capacity
• Evaluate if your site needs an overhead or underground electrical service connection, and a transformer

Request an electrical design connection External website, opens in new tab

Refer to the Low Density Housing Options How-to Guide PDF file (14 MB) for more details on these requirements.

A. Prepare your application package

Review the:

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

B. Submit your application

Include your application package with your submission.

Submit your application

Need assistance? Review the Development Permit Online Application Guide PDF file (3 MB)

Following the submission of your application package:

• We will review it for completeness
• The application fees will be calculated, and we will contact you about payment

A. Pay fees

• Online by credit card (Important note Only the permit holder/applicant can make online payments toward a permit.)
• In person at West Annex, 515 W 10th Ave:
  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30am to 4pm
  • Closed on holidays
• By mail at:
  Development and Building Services Centre
  515 West 10th Avenue
  Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
  (Alert icon    Make sure the permit number is noted on the cheque.)

Important note There is a $200 maximum for cash payments.

B. Application reviewed in detail

We will conduct a detailed review of your application when all the required:

• Application documents have been submitted
• Fees paid

Learn about sewer and water connection reviews that happen as part of a development permit.

A decision will be made on your proposal after comments have been considered from various reviewers. 

Note In most cases, if your proposal is approved, any outstanding requirements/obligations and/or revisions must be reflected in your application before a permit can be issued.

Note Your development permit will be issued when all outstanding conditions of approval have been addressed. After you have received your development permit, you will need to apply for a building permit.

A. Apply for a building permit

An application for a building permit should only be submitted when:

• All of the conditions outlined in the development permit have been addressed
• Your development permit is nearing issuance.

Your project coordinator will provide you with guidance and instruction on how to submit your building permit. 

B. Application reviewed

Following a detailed review of the submitted plans and documents of your application by various staff teams, we will provide you with a list of any conditions and items to be addressed before a permit can be issued.

Alert icon In certain cases, there may be different ways to meet the intent of the Vancouver Building By-law. Learn more about applying for an “alternative solution"

C. Permit approved

You will be notified by email once your permit is issued with instructions to download and print your permit and approved drawings through your online permit account.

Alert icon 1 printed copy of the City-approved permit needs to be made available for viewing at the jobsite for City inspectors.

Alert icon 1 paper set of City-approved drawings (full-sized and to scale), displaying the City accepted stamp, needs to be made available for viewing at the jobsite for City inspectors. If the City accepted stamp is missing, or the paper set isn’t at the jobsite, you will be required to reschedule your inspection and may be subject to a re-inspection fee.

When your building permit has been issued, you can:

• Begin work
• Get the required trade permits
• Book inspections

Important note It is important that you start work on your project within 6 months from the date of when your permit was issued; otherwise, your permit will become void.

Important note Moving soil, green waste, or plant materials? Contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to get a Movement Certificate before moving soil, green waste, or plant materials outside of a regulated area to prevent the spread of the Japanese beetle. Learn more and find out how to contact the CFIA

A. Apply for trade permits

Most construction is likely to require separate trades permits, which are typically submitted by the trades contractor hired by the general contractor:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Gas
• Fire sprinkler 
  (Alert icon Depending on the complexity of your project, you may be required to apply for a fire sprinkler permit before you can have a building permit issued to you.)

B. Apply to use street and sidewalk during construction

Most construction projects require permits to use City property such as streets, sidewalks, and laneways.

You may be required to apply for one or more of the following:

• Construction street use permit
• Temporary street occupancy permit

C. Request inspections

All work completed will need to be inspected at various stages of construction.

Get more information and book an inspection

Even though the work under the building permit is considered complete when a final inspection has been passed, you may require an occupancy permit  to occupy the space in the building(s). 

Learn more and apply for an occupancy permit