The City of Coquitlam is taking the next step to implement new provincial requirements for small-scale multi-unit housing.
COQUITLAM, B.C., June 12, 2025 – The City of Coquitlam is taking the next step to implement new provincial requirements for small-scale multi-unit housing.
Council adopted updates to the City’s zoning bylaw earlier this week to allow up to four homes to be built on most single-family lots, as mandated by the Province.
Coquitlam received a one-year extension to adopt the changes by June 30, 2025. The extension allowed for the completion of infrastructure works in progress and provided an opportunity to review the essential infrastructure needed to meet the forecasted growth from these changes.
What Do These Updates Mean for Residents?
Approximately 22,000 lots across Coquitlam will be rezoned to new small-scale residential zones that allow up to four homes on a single lot. This could include a mix of housing types, such as a main house with a suite, duplex, triplex or carriage home.
- While these lots are automatically rezoned, this does not mean homeowners must redevelop or make changes, but they will have the option to do so, subject to requirements.
- The City has also introduced three zones (R-1, R-2, R-3) to reflect different lot sizes and neighbourhood types, as well as long-term planning priorities.
- Properties within 800 metres of a SkyTrain station, known as Transit-Oriented Areas under provincial legislation, are not part of this rezoning.
Infrastructure and Servicing Impacts
While most single-family lots in Coquitlam will be rezoned to permit small-scale multi-unit housing, not all areas of the city are fully serviced to handle new small-scale housing. Developers will need to assess and, if necessary, pay for upgrades to water, sewer, and other infrastructure when redeveloping a property.
The City is planning for gradual growth and is upgrading infrastructure over time to support future needs. Staff will monitor the long-term impacts of small-scale multi-unit housing and adjust capital plans as needed.
To support residents through this transition, the City will continue to provide clear, accessible information about what the changes mean for individual properties and neighbourhoods. Public education will focus on what is allowed, what is optional and how these housing forms may affect nearby areas.
For details and updates, visit LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/SmallScale.
Next Steps
The City is also reviewing land use designations in the Official Community Plan. These designations will be updated by December 31, 2025, as required by the Province. A small number of new policies will also be added to help clarify where small-scale housing – like compact lots or multiplexes – can go. These policies will also help guide future rezoning applications. The City will share the draft policies for public input this fall.
Stay Updated on Coquitlam’s Work to Support Housing Changes
The City’s work to implement the provincial housing legislation is ongoing, with many changes still to come. A list of frequently asked questions and other resources is available at LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/ProvincialHousingChanges.
The City has also established a number of different ways for our community to access information and receive updates:
Media contact
Renée De St. Croix
Director Urban Planning and Design
604-927-3430
DevInfo@coquitlam.ca
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.