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1. How many dwelling units will be permitted on my property?

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.

2. What kinds of buildings and unit configurations will be permitted?

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.

3. How will this legislation impact my ability to build a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit (such as a garden cottage or carriage house)?

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.

4. Can I stratify the units so that they can be bought and sold separately?

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.

5. What is the timeline for changes to the Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan?

The City has applied for a one-year extension to the provincial deadline of June 30, 2024 for the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Zoning Bylaw changes. No decision has been received yet from the Province. The provincial legislation requires that the City’s Official Community Plan be updated to be consistent with any zoning changes by December 31, 2025.

6. Can I still build a single-detached house on my property?

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.