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1. Are there any upcoming planning processes for Southwest Coquitlam?

Staff anticipate initiating a new project, the Southwest Housing Review, in the fall of 2019. This will include a strategy for major corridor roads, the possible expansion of the Housing Choices Program into other areas, and a review of single-family residential zones. Stay up-to-date on the project by subscribing to Southwest Housing Review email updates: Subscribe Now!

2. What’s the difference between a “Carriage House” and “Garden Cottage”?

A “Carriage House” or a “Garden Cottage” are both permitted in Housing Choices areas in conjunction with a single-family house. Both forms have a maximum permitted floor area of 90m2 (968 ft2). The key difference is that a “Carriage House” is located primarily above and attached to a garage, typically on a lane, whereas a “Garden Cottage” is at grade and not above a garage.

You can find their full definitions in Part II of the Zoning Bylaw (PDF).

3. Are you going to expand the “Housing Choices” areas?

If endorsed by City Council, the Southwest Housing Review project will commence in the fall of 2019. Part of this project would include studying the possible expansion of the Housing Choices Program into other areas of Southwest Coquitlam.

4. What does “tandem parking” mean?

Tandem parking means that two vehicles can park one behind the other. The parking stalls are longer, providing space for two cars assigned to the same strata unit, with the second car behind the first. Tandem parking arrangements can improve overall site design for Housing Choices projects, by reducing the lot width and site area required to accommodate parking spaces, and to create more space for other needs such as open space or garbage and recycling staging.

5. I previously heard discussion about “pre-approved building plans”, what is the status of these?

Staff are currently working on a process to secure pre-approved building plans for triplex and fourplex projects on typical lots in Housing Choices areas. Pre-approved plans would reduce the complexity and simplify the approvals process and timelines for triplexes and fourplexes, in order to encourage these housing types in Housing Choices areas.

6. What is the RT-3: Multiplex zone?

Through a rezoning process, the RT-3 Multiplex Residential zone has potential for lots with a minimum area of 930 m2 (10,010 ft2) in the Housing Choices area. The zone allows for multiple detached, semi-detached or attached housing forms on larger lots in Housing Choices areas, typically oversized or multiple-lot assemblies. This zone is intended to provide further housing choices for new and existing residents, including multiple attached building forms or multiple single detached units (e.g., in the form of courtyard style housing) and generally requires a rezoning application approved by Council.

7. What is “FAR” or “Floor Area Ratio”?

Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is the ratio of the floor area of all buildings and structures to the area of the property (Floor Area / Property Area = FAR). In the Housing Choices areas, the Property Area used for this density calculation is based on the gross area, before any land dedications are taken through the development process to widen roads or lanes.

For more information, see our Key Planning Terms handout.