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Building Three and Four Dwelling Units Permit

In the fall of 2023, the Province introduced legislation to allow for increased density on residential lots. The Province’s Bill 44 – Housing Statutes Amendment Act 2023 requires local governments to update zoning bylaws to allow Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) on any lots zoned for single family home or duplex use. The City of Nanaimo has adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4500.233 and the Building Amendment Bylaw No. 7224.07 to comply with this Act.

When to Apply for a Three/Four Dwelling Units Permit

A permit for Three/Four Dwelling Units is required for new residential builds of three or four dwelling units, or if you are increasing the total number of dwelling units on a lot to three or four. The dwelling unit total includes both primary dwelling units and secondary dwelling units (suites). 

If you already have a house with a suite, and you are adding another house to the property, that will be your third unit and you will need to apply for a permit through the Three/Four Dwelling Units Permit process.

What information is required for the building permit?

Applications must include the following:

  • Online Building Permit Application (to be linked)
  • Appointment of Agent (PDF) - if you are not the registered owner or not the sole owner
  • Plans - to scale 1/4”=1’ or 1:50 showing the specifications of the building. To be submitted/uploaded as part of the online BP Application process. Required information is detailed in the Plan Requirement Checklist.
    • Site plan [survey by a British Columbia Land Surveyor (BCLS) may be required for setbacks depending on design]
    • Foundation/floor plans including point loads and engineered beams (if applicable)
    • Elevation view
    • Cross-Section view

And information as listed in:

 

Civil Design Requirements

Additional items over and above a residential building permit are required when constructing 3 and 4 dwelling units for the civil component. Before submitting a building permit application, consider the following items: 

Related Information

If you have questions about the zoning of your property, what is allowed, or questions about stratifying the units, please refer to the additional guides below. Still have questions zoning or stratifying? Please contact the Current Planning section at planning@nanaimo.ca. 

 

Contact Us

Building Inspections Section
250-755-4429
building.inspections@nanaimo.ca

 

Last updated: November 12, 2025

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