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Update for Members: Government Releases Standardized Housing Designs

The government has introduced a new set of standardized designs for small-scale, multi-unit housing. These designs aim to simplify planning and reduce costs for construction projects.

Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon stated, “The government is committed to increasing housing availability through various measures, including standardized designs. These designs will facilitate the faster construction of homes in our communities.”

The available designs include options for duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and townhouses, with features like garages and extra bedrooms. The designs can be stacked up to three storeys and offer various roof shapes and exterior finishes to integrate with existing neighborhoods. There are also plans for accessory dwelling units and adaptable cottages for aging in place.

Key details:

• Compliance: The designs meet the 2024 B.C. Building Code can be adapted for different lot sizes and configurations.
• Cost and Time Efficiency: Standardized designs are expected to streamline the approval process and reduce construction time and costs.
• Accessibility: Design files are available for free download, and a catalogue has been compiled for easy access.

This initiative is part of the Homes for People action plan, which aims to expedite housing construction and increase the number of available homes in B.C. Since 2017, the government has delivered or initiated nearly 80,000 homes, with the new plan set to deliver hundreds of thousands more over the next decade.

Further Information:

• Access the standardized designs here.
• Learn about the Homes for People action plan here.
• For more on the province’s housing initiatives, visit here.