How Metro Vancouver Is Standardizing Regulations For Six-Storey Rental Projects

Metro Vancouver is working to make it easier for cities in the region to build six-storey rental buildings. On Friday, the Metro Vancouver Regional District approved a new guide that outlines a consistent approach to these projects. The aim is to cut red tape and help meet the growing demand for rental housing across the region.

The guide is part of the “Typology Project,” which looks at how to speed up housing development while keeping quality high. It gives clear directions for local governments and developers, covering everything from building size to parking requirements. By following one blueprint, cities can save time and reduce confusion for builders.

This move comes as many cities in Metro Vancouver face pressure to build more housing — especially rentals. The region’s population is growing fast, and more people are struggling to find affordable places to live. Six-storey rental buildings are seen as a sweet spot: tall enough to add homes, but small enough to fit into most neighbourhoods without major pushback.

The plan also focuses on keeping buildings near public transit and local shops. This helps reduce traffic, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and makes life easier for renters who may not own cars. The blueprint also recommends having fewer parking spots, which saves money and space.

Several cities in the region are already testing the new approach. Richmond, Burnaby, and Port Coquitlam are working with Metro Vancouver to see how well it works in real life. Early signs show that the shared rules are helping to move projects along more smoothly.

In the end, Metro Vancouver hopes this standard model will help build more rental homes, faster. With local governments, developers, and planners all working from the same playbook, the region may finally get ahead of its housing crunch.