October 10, 2024
Answers to Common Multiplex Questions
Refer to our list below to some of the commonly asked questions about multiplex developments. Note that some of these answers are specific to the City of Vancouver. Please contact us for more information about small scale multi unit housing requirements in your municipality.
Q: How many units can I build?
A: Between 4 to 6 units are allowed depending on the size of the site. Up to 8 rental units are allowed on larger sites. The FSR (floor space ratio) is 1.0, meaning the total area allowed is 1 x the area of your site. FSR is not the same as the building area, as the City allows certain deductions from the building area to calculate the FSR area.
Q: Do you need an Architect to design your project?
A: Under the Architects Act, a registered Architect is only required for residential buildings containing five or more dwelling units. So for four units you don’t need to use an Architect, over 5 you do. Keep in mind that if your project is over 600m2 (6,000sf) the BC Building Code requires you to use a registered professional. The registered professional is usually an Architect, although in some cases a Professional Engineer may take on this role.
Q: What permits do you need?
Answer: Multiplexes require separate development permits and building permits. Houses, duplexes or laneway houses can be processed as a combined development and building permit (DB).
Q: Are Multiplexes considered “small buildings” under the BC Building Code?
A: Yes, multiplexes are generally evaluated under Part 9 Housing and Small Buildings. However, in some cases, such as when the building is over 600m2, a multiplex may be evaluated under Part 3 which includes more complex building code requirements.
Q: Do I need to retain all existing trees on site?
A: On standard sites, preservation of existing trees are required in the front yard but not on the remainder of the site. 1:1 tree replacement is not required for trees removed past the front yard. All developments will require at least one tree in the front yard for sites with a frontage less than 50 ft. and two trees for sites with a frontage greater than or equal to 50 ft.
Q: What are the parking requirements for multiplexes?
A: There is no required parking allowance for multiplexes, however, depending on the location of your project, including some parking on site may benefit the project’s marketability and sales potential.
Q. Do I need to increase the electrical load capacity?
A: In many cases a pad mounted transformer (PMT) or low profile transformer (LPT) is required. BC Hydro needs to be contacted for each project to evaluate the proposed service load and size to determine if a transformer is required.
Q. What about needing to form a strata?
A: For more than 5 units or if you are planning to sell the final units, you need to establish a strata. The legal and set up fees to form a strata are additional costs that should be factored into your overall project costs.
Feel free to contact us with any other questions at info@neevdevelopment.com.