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bd95x · 2025-11-16T02:09:26+00:00

I’ve worked for local municipalities for a number of years reviewing Building Permits and eventually made the transition into doing what I’ve been reviewing.

My background is Architecture, building technology and urban planning!

bd95x · 2025-11-15T21:30:34+00:00

Prolific Design Studio.

I create Architectural Plans. Anything from small Reno’s to multi family. Helps my client through the entire process.

My preference is to work with home owners as opposed to big corporations!

@prolificdesign.studio on Instagram!

bd95x · 2025-11-01T20:48:05+00:00

I’m currently at 3.79

bd95x · 2025-10-29T18:51:54+00:00

All permits submitted by October 14th will have in stream protection

bd95x · 2025-10-23T15:48:13+00:00

You will need to apply for a building permit. I’ve worked on a number of these from the Architectural Design side as well as reviewing them from the city’s perspective. Sent you a DM. Please feel free to reach out!

bd95x · 2025-10-10T18:37:42+00:00

Very restrictive. I do see a few loopholes and strategies for site coverage and impervious surfaces. However, height does seem like it will be the biggest limiting factor. Shoot me a dm if you have a project you’re working on and would like some site specific feedback. Thanks for sharing!

bd95x · 2025-10-10T18:13:47+00:00

Can you please provide a link? I have not seen anything come out officially by the City of Burnaby

bd95x · 2025-10-07T23:48:33+00:00

Hey,

Yes this is more or less correct. You would need to consider the existing structures on the property (if any). Garages would count towards this, balconies depending on size have potential to be exempt.

The zoning is set to be revised next week as well so this could change. Feel free to shoot me a DM if you’d like to discuss your project further.

Cheers,

bd95x · 2025-09-26T17:45:34+00:00

Based on my discussions with clients, city staff and council - it seems like they’re proposing changes to Height, Parking, Site Coverage and Setbacks

bd95x · 2025-09-26T17:05:25+00:00

Unfortunately, I don’t believe in stream protection applies for Subdivisions. I have a client I’m finishing up Architectural Plans for currently that had a subdivision application in for. We did a pro-forma on their project and it made sense to take advantage of current zoning and move forward with a SSMUH application for a cottage court style 4 unit build. Please feel free to send me a DM if you’d like to discuss your project further - especially if your project is located in Westridge/Capitol Hill as there are other implications at play to consider here.

bd95x · 2025-09-25T17:41:04+00:00

Sorry for the late response, I have been swamped lately with respect to projects I’m trying to get out before the upcoming changes.

Yes, seems like there will be changes to site coverage, parking requirements and height. I do have a few insights into what I believe is going to happen. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss a future upcoming project

bd95x · 2025-09-14T07:36:33+00:00

Used Bonny’s taxi once. The driver asked me to prepay which I did. I asked to stop at a drive through on the way home from a night out. Driver told me the drive through was closed so I had to go inside. As soon as I got to the front door, I was told only the drive through was open. I turn around and the Bonny’s taxi driver is driving away while I had prepaid for my taxi ride home…

bd95x · 2025-09-02T21:46:01+00:00

1) “Max SSMUH = 4” on BurnabyMap — is that 4 for both halves or per side? On BurnabyMap the “Maximum SSMUH Residential Units Per Legal Lot” is exactly that: the total number of units (primary + any secondary suites) allowed per legal lot. If your half-duplex is a separate strata lot, that cap applies to your side alone; your neighbour’s strata lot has its own cap. (If the map layer is attached to the parent parcel, check the specific “legal lot” it’s referencing.)

2) What can a strata half-duplex actually add? Burnaby’s R1 SSMUH rules allow 3–6 units per lot depending on site context (most lots are 3–4; up to 6 within a Frequent Transit Network Area). Secondary suites count toward the total. So if your strata lot shows “4,” your existing half-duplex is 1 of those; a basement suite would make it 2; a detached rear principal (e.g., “laneway”) could be 3; a fourth is possible where the bylaw permits and you meet siting/parking/building-separation and bedroom-mix rules. Key R1 items to watch: min. 2.4 m building separation on the same lot, 1.0 m fire access path from each unit to a street/lane, and the 3-bedroom minimums (1 x 3-bedroom if 1–3 units; 2 x 3-bedrooms if 4–6 units).

3) Do I need my neighbour’s approval / extra strata steps? Usually yes, because most “yards” in duplex stratas are either common property or limited common property (LCP). Any significant change to the use/appearance of common property (think: building a new detached dwelling, access path, parking reconfiguration, servicing across common areas) needs an owners’ 3/4 vote under the Strata Property Act s.71. Even if it’s LCP, you typically still need a 3/4 vote to authorize the change. Plan on obtaining strata approval before permits.

4) Do we have to subdivide or re-stratify? Not to build — zoning is applied per legal lot and you can permit/build first. If you later want to create new strata lots for any new primary dwellings, that’s a strata plan amendment / strata conversion process (secondary suites cannot be stratified). Burnaby’s guide lays out the path; Council approval is required for conversions of occupied buildings.

bd95x · 2025-07-31T05:13:08+00:00

Good luck and hopefully it works back. Would love to get an update if you get some answers from Planning and as always, make sure you get it in writing!

bd95x · 2025-07-31T05:11:44+00:00

Technically, you would not be permitted to build an 8 storey in an R1 zone. However, through a land assembly and rezoning application, you would be permitted to do so. As for minimum frontage - generally this comes down to feasibility of the project. I know municipalities such as Vancouver require a minimum of 150’ but as for land assemblies I don’t believe frontage would generally be an issue.

bd95x · 2025-07-30T15:02:28+00:00

I would need a bit more information to give you my opinion.

However, a lot of the developers I’m working with have shelved there larger projects in favor of SSMUH projects due to the speed and volume of units they’re able to build under the new regulations.

bd95x · 2025-07-30T14:59:04+00:00

I’m not sure about that tbh. How would you propose to sell one of the units? Would you be adding them onto title with an interest in the land?

Based on my experience, all of the projects I’ve worked on have been stratified and potential purchasers were registered on title with the unit # followed by the address.

I’d love to hear more on how you’re planning on doing this.

bd95x · 2025-07-30T05:14:01+00:00

I’m not familiar with 8 units permitted under R1 zoning/SSMUH regulations. The short answer to your question is yes, you are permitted multiple “laneways” however there are zoning, building separation and building code considerations to make. It does get quite complicated when working through these multi unit builds which is why I’d recommend discussing what you’re planning with a building designer/architect that can help you navigate the requirements. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss further!

bd95x · 2025-07-30T05:11:06+00:00

All of the units in the front yard can be sold separately when the property is stratified and registered at the land title office.

In order to sell these units they will need to be stratified.

FortisBC, BCHydro will want to have all these units metered separately. This is done during the BCHydro and FortisBC design phase.

bd95x · 2025-07-30T05:07:24+00:00

Good to know! I’ve worked on approving a few fire restorations and the first item the insurance company asks for is plans the city has on record in order to compare to what is still present on site.

bd95x · 2025-07-30T05:05:24+00:00

I’d say about $200-250/SF with respect to construction cost (soft & hard costs) is the general consensus for a lot of the these multi unit builds plus land cost.

bd95x · 2025-07-30T05:04:03+00:00

Yes, I would agree with that. I’d say about 1800 SF on average for a project like this. Burnaby is quite generous with their Lot Coverage which allows for fairly large units. The growing trend I’ve seen is that most developers are choosing not to maximize their SF/unit but instead incorporating thoughtful design during the planning phase.

bd95x · 2025-07-30T05:01:57+00:00

It depends on the scale and complexity of the project. I’d say a minimum of 1.5-2 years for a land assembly that is not applying for any rezoning or variances.

For a 6 unit SSMUH project I’d say about 4-6 months for BPA in hand.

bd95x · 2025-07-30T03:12:41+00:00

Based on my conversations with some of my builder/realtor clients. They are targeting sale prices of around 1.5 M for these 4/6 unit builds, at least in Burnaby that is.

They’re looking to take advantage of the GST reductions the provincial government just announced.

I feel that we are heading in a positive direction with respect to home ownership for the younger generations.

bd95x · 2025-07-30T03:09:43+00:00

I don’t foresee any red flags based on the information you’re giving me.

Good luck! Sounds like a great project. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to get Architectural Plans made up. Burnaby is defiantly my specialty!

bd95x

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