New Vancouver building rules aim to improve safety and housing supply

Today, Vancouver City Council approved new space-saving stair designs PDF file (995 KB) and the Abandoned and Vacated Buildings By-law PDF file (514 KB) (AVBB) to support safety and improve housing supply. 

“Vancouverites deserve buildings and neighbourhoods that are both safe and full of possibility,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “Modernizing our building rules is about making practical, forward-thinking changes that protect people and support more housing options.” 

New space-saving stair designs 

New space-saving stair designs will create more flexible apartment layouts, improve access to natural light and fresh air, and make it possible to build homes on smaller sites, while still prioritizing the safety of residents, visitors and first responders. They were developed following a comprehensive review of the latest research and consultation with the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, industry experts and building officials from other municipalities. 

“During a fire or emergency, stairwells are the critical lifelines for residents and first responders,” said Karen Fry, Fire Chief and General Manager of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services. “The two new stair design options maintain a good level of protection needed to keep those pathways safe while supporting new housing options for Vancouver.”  

As approved additions to the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL), the new space-saving stair designs can be used in buildings up to six storeys and include:

• External single egress stairs: A single exterior stair and corridor that maximizes space efficiency, enabling more housing options such as family-sized, multi-bedroom units on smaller lots in low-density neighbourhoods. 
• Scissor stairs: Two staircases within a single enclosure, separated by fire-proofed walls, providing two pathways while saving space. A key improvement removes the minimum distance requirement between exit doors, making it more space efficient. 

Abandoned and Vacated Buildings By-law (AVBB) 

City Council also approved the AVBB, which sets clear maintenance standards for vacated buildings and strengthens the City’s ability to intervene early and act when a property poses safety or health risks. 

“Neglected, vacant buildings are more than an eyesore, they threaten the safety, health and well-being of nearby residents and anyone who might take shelter inside,” said Saul Schwebs, Chief Building Official. “The AVBB provides the tools we need to secure or remove unsafe buildings, uphold community standards, and protect potential long-term housing units in Vancouver.” 

Poorly maintained vacated buildings can become fire hazards, attract unsafe activity, and remove potential long-term homes from Vancouver’s housing stock. Once a building falls into disrepair, it often requires significant, costly upgrades or demolition. The AVBB will help prevent buildings from becoming derelict, protecting public safety, reducing the burden on City resources and helping ensure sites can return to housing use more efficiently. 

Next steps 

Amendments to the VBBL to allow new space-saving stair designs and the new Abandoned and Vacated Buildings By-law are expected to be enacted at the next City Council meeting on January 20.