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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing

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  • The maximum number of dwelling units permitted on your property will depend on how your property is zoned and the size of your lot. On lots currently restricted to one-family (a.k.a. single-detached) residential uses, the Province has mandated that the City allow:

    • A minimum of 3 units on lots with an area less than 280 m2 (3,014 sq.ft.).
    • A minimum of 4 units on lots with an area greater than 280 m2 (3,014 sq.ft.).

    The legislation also establishes requirements for lots near bus stops with frequent service, but TransLink (the regional transit agency in Metro Vancouver) has confirmed that none of the bus stops in Coquitlam meet the necessary criteria.

    The City is still determining exactly how these changes will be put into effect in Coquitlam.

    Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
  • There is no requirement from the Province for specific built form or unit configuration. A variety of building forms are currently allowed in many areas of Coquitlam. The City is exploring which options might best meet the City’s goals and objectives of providing high-quality, livable housing choice and diversity while also aligning with the provincial legislative changes.

    Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
  • The legislation aims to make it easier to build accessory dwelling units and secondary suites by allowing them on most lots (with some exceptions). Accessory dwelling units and secondary suites will count as dwelling units, and the City is currently exploring the best configuration of units and buildings that would be allowed on a lot.

    Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
  • Currently, neither secondary suites nor accessory dwelling units may be stratified or subdivided in Coquitlam. Small-scale housing like duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and multiplexes can be stratified and sold. Rules around stratification of detached accessory units are still being considered.

    Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
  • On September 16, the Province approved the City’s application to extend the deadline for the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Zoning Bylaw changes. The new deadline for Coquitlam is June 30, 2025. See our Information Bulletin for more information, and stay tuned to our Let's Talk page for further updates.

    Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
  • Yes, single-detached housing will still be permitted on all properties currently zoned to allow for single-detached housing. While the Province is mandating that up to 4 units be permitted on a lot (depending on lot size and location), you will not be required to build multiple units on your lot.

    Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
  • As a result of the changes from the Province, significant additional density may be added to neighbourhoods, resulting in a corresponding increase in the infrastructure required to support this density, including upgrades such as water and sewer-line capacity, and electrical services.  It is difficult to estimate what the total cost for these upgrades may be at this time.

    Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing

Contact Us

  1. 3000 Guildford Way

    Coquitlam, BC Canada V3B 7N2

    Map to City Hall


    Hours: Mon to Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

    Reception: 604-927-3000

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. 

coquitlam.ca/reconciliation

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