Missing Middle Housing

Creating diverse housing options in Victoria

Missing Middle Housing regulations allow houseplexes, corner townhouses and heritage conserving infill housing in Traditional Residential areas of the city.

The regulations allow up to six homes on an average residential lot. This does not remove single family homes or duplex zoning - it adds more diverse housing options in Victoria to help make our city a more livable place for families and seniors. The new bylaws were adopted in January 2023 and are now in effect.

Building Missing Middle Housing

Houseplexes, Corner Townhouses, and Heritage Conserving Infill are the three forms of Missing Middle Housing allowed by the new regulations. Building applications for this housing must meet all requirements in Schedule P of the Zoning Regulation Bylaw and development permits are required with every application to ensure compliance with the Missing Middle Design Guidelines.

Interested in building Missing Middle Housing? Check out the step-by-step guide below:

  1. Confirm that Missing Middle Regulations Schedule P applies to your lot and use the VicMap Guide to help determine your property’s zoning. Unsure about the criteria? Contact Development Services.
  2. After confirming your eligibility, review your project for compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines, including the Missing Middle Regulations the Missing Middle Design Guidelines and Tree Protection Bylaw.
  3. Contact Development Services to discuss your plans and the requirements for your application.
  4. Fill out the Development Permit Application for Missing Middle. The application form lists all documents required for your application. Applications that are consistent with zoning and design guidelines can be approved by staff following the delegated development permit process. 
  5. Submit your application and all the supporting documentation to zoning@victoria.ca. Staff will contact you to arrange payment and advise of any missing information.
  6. City staff will review the application for compliance with the Zoning Regulation Bylaw and Missing Middle design guidelines and advise on necessary revisions as needed. Site visits of the property may be required.
  7. Once your Development Permit is approved, contact Permits and Inspections to obtain the necessary permits to allow for construction.
  8. When you receive your permit you are now ready to build.