Image of the day: impact if Vancouver and Victoria adopt BC's multiplex policy
About 5X faster in Vancouver, 800 projects per year instead of 150
From the economic analysis of BC’s multiplex and transit-oriented housing policies: Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing and Transit-Oriented Area Scenarios in British Columbia.
These estimates of around 8,000 multiplex projects over 10 years, or 800 a year under SSMUH, are substantially higher than Vancouver staff estimates of 150, which we explain by the significantly higher floor space afforded under the SSMUH policy as well as larger geographic coverage (including RT zones) and the absence of density bonus charges. Moreover, the SSMUH policy results in higher net new units per project through broader application of 6-plexes through almost the entire city based on the current frequent transit network.
Specific changes for Vancouver:
Up to 1.5 FSR instead of 1.0 (50% site coverage, three storeys)
Up to 1.8 FSR within 400 m of a bus stop with frequent transit (60% site coverage, three storeys), up to six units
RT zones not excluded
Previous posts
Why "gentle density" in residential neighbourhoods is so important, January 2022
Multiplex policy update from city staff, February 2023
Multiplex design concepts from Bryn Davidson, February 2023
Simple pro forma for a multiplex, February 2023
Video: Economic viability of infill housing, February 2023
Why is the floor space limit for four-plexes and six-plexes so restrictive?, February 2023
Email to the city on proposed multiplex policy, March 2023
Vancouver multiplexes: density bonus fees announced, July 2023
Staff report on Vancouver multiplexes, July 2023
Speaking notes for multiplex public hearing, September 2023
Economic analysis of BC's multiplex and transit-oriented policies, December 2023