The City of Coquitlam is moving forward with plans to implement Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing in accordance with provincial housing legislation.
COQUITLAM, B.C., March 5, 2025 – The City of Coquitlam is moving forward with plans to implement Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing in accordance with provincial housing legislation.
The City’s proposed zoning approach, presented to Council last week, outlines how Coquitlam will balance increasing housing supply with local planning considerations.
Under the Province’s Bill 44, municipalities are required to update zoning bylaws to allow up to four units of housing on lots currently zoned for single-family use.
In response, Coquitlam is proposing new small-scale residential zones that streamline these regulations. Key highlights of Coquitlam’s approach include:
- New Zoning Categories: The City is consolidating existing single-family residential zones into new small-scale residential zones to support duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and multiplexes. In accordance with the Province’s mandates, consultation and public hearings for this rezoning is prohibited.
- Updated Density Rules: Proposed regulations allow up to four units on most eligible lots.
- Updated Parking Requirements: A tiered parking approach based on unit size that aims to balance development feasibility and transportation needs. This would include a lower parking rate for smaller units with rates increasing with unit size.
- Infrastructure Considerations: The City is assessing servicing capacity such as water and sewer, as well as infrastructure impacts to help make the growth as sustainable as possible for neighbourhoods and to reduce the risk of overloading existing systems.
The City will continue to educate and engage residents and builders through public information sessions and online resources. Zoning adjustments and final adoption of the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing are anticipated later this year.
To learn more, visit LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/SmallScale.
Coquitlam's Response to Provincial Housing Legislation
Coquitlam is committed to addressing housing affordability and supply challenges within the framework of provincial legislation. The City is actively implementing the changes imposed by the provincial government, including enabling small-scale multi-unit housing, increasing density in transit-oriented areas and updating its Official Community Plan. These steps build on Coquitlam’s strong housing record, with more than 5,100 new homes created since 2021, including non-market units and below-market rentals.
Coquitlam’s award-winning Housing Affordability Strategy remains a key driver in delivering diverse and inclusive housing options. While these efforts align with provincial objectives, the City emphasizes the importance of local expertise in community planning and continues to advocate for approaches that respect the City’s unique neighbourhoods.
For more information on Coquitlam's response to provincial housing legislation, visit coquitlam.ca/ProvincialHousingChanges.
Media contact:
Renee De St. Croix
Director Urban Planning and Design
DevInfo@coquitlam.ca
604-927-3430
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.