Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing in BC: Understanding Bill C-44 and the Need for Missing Middle Design
British Columbia is in the midst of a housing transformation. With rising home prices and limited supply, the Province has introduced new legislation—commonly referred to as Bill C-44—to encourage small-scale multi-unit housing and address the growing demand for more diverse housing options. For homeowners, developers, and communities in Victoria, BC, this shift presents a major opportunity.
At Adapt Design, we specialize in missing middle housing design, helping clients navigate new regulations while maximizing the potential of their properties.
What Is Missing Middle Housing?
“Missing middle” housing refers to multi-unit residential buildings that fall between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. These include:
Duplexes and triplexes
Fourplexes and townhouses
Secondary suites and garden suites
These housing types are essential for creating affordable, flexible, and density-friendly communities—especially in urban areas like Victoria, where land is limited.
How Bill C-44 Impacts Housing in BC
Bill C-44 introduces significant changes to zoning regulations across British Columbia by allowing increased density on traditionally single-family lots. In many municipalities, this means:
Up to four units permitted on standard residential lots
Greater flexibility for secondary suites and laneway homes
Reduced barriers to gentle densification
For property owners, this opens the door to new opportunities for multi-unit residential development, whether for rental income, multi-generational living, or long-term investment.
Why Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Matters
The push for missing middle housing is about more than density—it’s about livability and sustainability. Key benefits include:
Improved housing affordability through increased supply
Efficient land use within existing neighbourhoods
Stronger communities with diverse housing options
Reduced urban sprawl and environmental impact
In cities like Victoria, where housing demand continues to outpace supply, small-scale multi-unit housing design is a critical part of the solution.
Designing Multi-Unit Housing in Victoria, BC
While Bill C-44 creates new opportunities, successful projects still require careful planning and expertise. Key considerations include:
Zoning bylaws and municipal requirements
BC Building Code compliance (Part 9 design)
Site layout, parking, and access
Building form, privacy, and neighbourhood integration
Energy efficiency and Step Code requirements
Navigating these factors requires an experienced residential designer who understands both the regulatory landscape and practical construction considerations.
How Adapt Design Can Help
At Adapt Design, we provide expert guidance for small-scale multi-unit housing projects in Victoria, BC and across British Columbia. Our services include:
Feasibility studies for multi-unit development
Custom design for duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes
Garden suites and secondary suite design
Permit-ready construction drawings
Zoning and bylaw analysis
With extensive experience in Part 9 building design and local regulations, we help clients unlock the full potential of their properties while ensuring efficient, compliant, and buildable designs.
Start Your Multi-Unit Housing Project
The introduction of Bill C-44 marks a major shift in how housing is developed in BC. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to add units or a developer exploring new opportunities, now is the time to act.
Contact Adapt Design to learn how we can help you design and develop missing middle housing in Victoria, BC, and take advantage of these new opportunities.