Executive Summary: The City of Vancouver has implemented an ambitious 3-3-3-1 Framework to dramatically reduce permit approval times, targeting 3 days for renovations, 3 weeks for homes, 3 months for mid-rise projects, and 1 year for high-rises. This initiative represents one of the most aggressive permitting reform efforts in North America.
The Framework Explained
On June 13, 2023, Vancouver City Council formally adopted the 3-3-3-1 Framework, setting unprecedented targets for permit processing times across four categories of housing development. The framework aims to eliminate permitting backlogs and accelerate housing delivery in response to the city's acute housing shortage.
FRAMEWORK TARGETS
Home renovation permits, including mobility and accessibility-related improvements
Detached homes, laneway houses, duplexes, and townhouse permits
Multi-family and mid-rise projects with professional design and existing zoning
High-rise and large-scale development projects
Implementation Progress
Since adoption, Vancouver has made substantial progress toward these ambitious targets. Early results show processing times becoming 50-70% faster across many permit categories. The city has introduced several key initiatives to support framework implementation:
Streamlined Multiplex Applications
In January 2025, Vancouver introduced a new permit pathway for multiplex applications, combining development and building permit processes. This consolidation is projected to cut permitting times by approximately 50% for projects with up to four dwelling units and no more than two units per building.
Regulatory Burden Reduction
Effective April 1, 2025, Vancouver removed several regulatory requirements including:
- Horizontal Angle of Daylight requirements
- Area limits for rooftop mechanical equipment
- Acoustic reports for residential developments
- Traffic impact studies for development permit applications (eliminated February 2024)
Increased Renovation Thresholds
The residential renovation cost threshold for upgrading sewer and water connections was raised from $95,000 to $250,000, allowing more renovation projects to qualify for faster processing under the expedited pathway.
Results and Impact
The framework has yielded measurable improvements across permit categories. Home renovation permits are now being processed closer to the 3-day target, with significant progress on detached home permits. However, observers note that more complex projects, such as multiplexes, are not yet consistently meeting the ambitious 3-week target.
The city continues to invest in digital systems, regulation digitization, and communication channel consolidation to reduce complexity and delays. These efforts represent Vancouver's commitment to making the ambitious framework targets a reality across all project types.
Key Takeaway: Vancouver's 3-3-3-1 Framework demonstrates how cities can set aggressive targets and systematically implement reforms to achieve them. While full realization remains a work in progress for complex projects, the framework has already accelerated housing delivery and serves as a model for other municipalities facing similar permitting challenges.
CITATIONS & REFERENCES
Official Policy Documents
- City of Vancouver. (2023). Permitting Improvement: 3-3-3-1 Framework. vancouver.ca
- Vancouver City Council. (June 13, 2023). Council Resolution on Permit Approval Targets.
Industry Analysis
- ABC Vancouver. City Making Progress on 3-3-3-1 Framework. abcvancouver.ca
- Daily Hive. (2024). Vancouver Raises Renovation Thresholds, Eliminates Traffic Studies. dailyhive.com
Independent Research
- Urban Development Institute (UDI). (2025). Regulatory Amendments Supporting Housing Development. udi.org