On May 18, the City of Vancouver released an updated Multiplex Proposal aimed at increasing the availability of "the missing middle" housing types, including duplexes, multiplexes, townhomes, and low-rise apartments. The proposal seeks to address the housing shortage and affordability crisis in the city by introducing more diverse housing options. Today we look at the key aspects of the proposal, public opinion, the simplification of RS zoning regulations, the implementation of AI technology for permit processing, and the broader issue of housing in British Columbia.

During the last public meeting held in February, the Multiplex Proposal received significant attention, with 455 attendees and 1,900 completed online surveys. The feedback demonstrated substantial support for the proposal, with 77% of respondents agreeing that multiplexes should be allowed in low-density areas. Additionally, 60% agreed to reduce the size of new houses, while 80% supported increasing the size of laneway houses. A majority (74%) also expressed agreement with removing guidelines, regulations, and reducing the number of RS Zones.

The proposal outlines the types of housing that can be built under the new regulations based on frontage sizes. For properties with a frontage of 33', a maximum of four units can be constructed, with an approximate area of 4,000 sqft. For properties with a 44' frontage, five units are allowed, with an approximate area of 5,000 sqft. Properties with a frontage of 50' or more can accommodate either six strata units or eight rental units, with a minimum of four units and an approximate area of 6,000 sqft.

There's a number of reasons the COV is considering this. Primarily it's to facilitate faster housing construction, increase design choices and flexibility, simplify building regulations, and to create capacity for the 'missing middle' housing type. 

Currently, there are 9 separate RS Zones! This is definitely adding to the complexity of the permit process. The solution proposed is to standardize requirements and combine all 9 zones into a single RS Zone. Notably, the size of new single-family houses would be reduced while the size of new laneway houses would be increased considerably.

Insider information suggests that the city may only accept 100 applications on a first-come, first-served basis as pilot projects. This limitation raises questions regarding the city's capacity to handle an influx of applications and the potential impact on trades and infrastructure. Concerns have also been raised regarding the proposed sizes of the new housing units, with some questioning whether the parameters are too small to meet the growing housing demands.

 In an effort to expedite the permit process, the City of Kelowna is collaborating with Microsoft in developing an AI chatbot. The chatbot is intended to receive and analyze applications for construction and renovations, ensuring compliance with zoning bylaws, official community plans, lot particulars, dimensions, and setbacks. The long-term vision for the AI system is to assess building applications and issue permits for compliant projects, potentially enabling instantaneous approval for simple applications.

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