Permitting is getting easier in Vancouver with multiplex approvals now 50% faster
New data shows it’s getting easier to build housing, start a business or grow an existing one in Vancouver with faster, simpler and more predictable permitting and licensing.
“At a time when housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing our city, we're taking action to remove barriers and speed up approvals,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “Every day saved in the approval process helps deliver homes, jobs and community benefits sooner.”
As Vancouver continues to grow, permitting plays an important role in supporting housing delivery, economic growth and complete neighbourhoods. Faster, simpler and more predictable approvals help housing projects and businesses move forward sooner, bringing homes, jobs and services to communities across Vancouver.
Highlights
- Home renovations: 92% of simple renovation permits are being issued within three days.
- Laneway homes: 50% faster from 200 days in 2022 to 100 days in 2025.
- Single-detached homes: 36% faster permit processing times from 250 days in 2022 to 160 days in 2025.
- Multi-family and mid-rise homes: 46% faster processing time for development permits, from 18.1 months in 2023 to 9.8 months in 2025.
- Business licenses: 98% faster from 16 weeks in 2022 to 2 days in 2026.
Since 2022, the City has simplified regulations, removed unnecessary requirements, introduced new digital tools and streamlined internal review processes to reduce delays and improve customer experience. Key changes include:
- Streamlined Development Building Permit process for certain multiplexes, reducing processing times by 50%, making it faster to build new homes.
- Introduced a new low-density housing portal, allowing applicants to explore project requirements for their site, track the progress of their application and communicate with City staff all in one place, making the process simpler.
- Approximately 70% of potential development permit conditions were eliminated, simplified or shifted to risk-based reviews, reducing processing times and creating a more predictable process for applicants.
While permitting times have improved across many application types, the City recognizes that more work is needed to support housing delivery and economic growth. The City will continue making permitting easier so more housing projects and businesses can move forward, supporting complete neighbourhoods where people can live, work and access the services they need.
For more information on permitting improvements, visit vancouver.ca/permitting.
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