Bill 44 Active — Bylaw 5395 Adopted June 2024 — Updated March 2026

Chilliwack SSMUH Multiplex & Gentle Density Guide

Chilliwack's Bylaw 5395 enables 3 to 4 units on parcels within the urban growth boundary zoned for single-detached and duplex housing -- roughly 11,000 eligible lots. But the province's strictest parking requirements at 2 spaces per unit make feasibility analysis critical before committing to a project.

Chilliwack's SSMUH Zoning Framework

In June 2024, Chilliwack City Council adopted Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 2024, No. 5395, completing the text amendments required for SSMUH compliance under BC's Bill 44. The bylaw amends the master Zoning Bylaw 2020, No. 5000 to allow 3 to 4 dwelling units on parcels within the urban growth boundary that are currently zoned for single-detached and duplex housing.

The city is also advancing a new Official Community Plan (Bylaw 2025, No. 5500) and a comprehensive update to Zoning Bylaw 5000. Both went through a public hearing and public information meeting on February 17, 2026. These updates will shape how SSMUH and broader growth policies are applied going forward.

Approximately 11,000 properties are affected by the SSMUH changes. However, Chilliwack's council has expressed being "deeply frustrated" by the provincial rules, and the city's implementation reflects a conservative approach -- particularly in parking standards, which remain the most restrictive in BC.

Unit Allowances by Lot Size

Lot Size	Location Requirement	Max Units
Smaller lots (within UGB)	Urban growth boundary	3 units
Larger lots (within UGB)	Urban growth boundary	4 units
N/A	No frequent transit in Chilliwack	6 units not available

Chilliwack has no areas meeting the provincial frequent transit threshold (15-minute service). The 6-unit tier is not available anywhere in the city.

Most Restrictive Parking in BC

Chilliwack requires 2.0 spaces per unit with no reductions available -- the highest parking minimum of any BC municipality implementing SSMUH. Without frequent transit service, there is no mechanism for parking reductions. Here is what that means in practice:

2 parking spaces per dwelling unit; 1 space per accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
A fourplex could require ~8 parking spaces, each sized 2.6 m x 6.0 m
Max driveway width: 6.0 m (4.0 m on lots under 12 m, tapering to 6.0 m)
Lane access required: Where a lane exists, all vehicle access must be from the lane

On many lots, parking requirements alone can consume enough site area to make a 4-unit project physically unfeasible. Run a feasibility analysis before committing.

Infrastructure Extensions to December 31, 2030

Chilliwack has been granted provincial extensions for infrastructure-limited areas. Properties in these zones may not be able to develop to full SSMUH density until water, sewer, and servicing upgrades are completed.

The extension deadline is December 31, 2030. Check with Chilliwack Planning to determine if your property falls within an infrastructure-limited area before beginning your project.

Chilliwack SSMUH Regulation Snapshot

Building Envelope (R1-A Zone)

FSR: ~0.55 (retained existing zone-specific FSR)
Height: ~9.0 m (no changes under SSMUH)
Lot coverage: ~40%

Building envelope regulations were not altered under SSMUH. Existing zone-specific standards continue to apply.

Setbacks (R1-A Zone)

Front yard: ~6.0 m
Rear yard: ~6.0 m

Setbacks were not modified under SSMUH. See Zoning Bylaw 5000 for zone-specific regulations.

Eligible Lots

~11,000 parcels within the urban growth boundary
Must be zoned for single-detached or duplex housing
0 lots in frequent transit areas (none qualifying)
Some areas under infrastructure extension to 2030

Housing Forms

Duplexes with secondary suites
Triplexes (lots under 280 m2)
Fourplexes (lots 280 m2+)
No houseplexes (6-unit tier not available)

Key Constraints & Considerations

Parking is the primary constraint -- 8 spaces for a fourplex can consume significant lot area
No frequent transit means no parking reductions and no 6-unit projects anywhere in the city
Infrastructure-limited areas may not support full SSMUH density until upgrades are completed (extension to 2030)
Floodplain regulations may further restrict development on some lots
Council has publicly expressed frustration with provincial SSMUH mandates -- regulatory interpretation may be strict

How VanPlex Supports Chilliwack SSMUH Projects

Concept to Permit

We coordinate architects, engineers, and consultants to navigate Chilliwack's conservative SSMUH implementation. From parking layout optimization to infrastructure extension verification, we handle the regulatory complexity unique to this municipality.

Feasibility Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of your Chilliwack lot's SSMUH potential, including parking layout feasibility (the make-or-break factor), unit configurations, infrastructure extension status, and pro forma projections.

Request Your Chilliwack SSMUH Feasibility

Share your Chilliwack address to receive a tailored analysis including your SSMUH eligibility, unit allowance, parking layout feasibility, infrastructure extension status, and development pro forma.

Getting Started with Chilliwack SSMUH

Before beginning your Chilliwack SSMUH project, follow these steps:

Visit the Chilliwack bylaws page to confirm your property's zoning under Bylaw 5000 and review Bylaw 5395 amendments
Determine whether your lot is in an infrastructure-limited area subject to the 2030 extension deadline
Assess parking feasibility first -- with 2 spaces per unit and driveway width limits, this is typically the binding constraint
Review site-specific constraints including floodplain regulations, easements, and servicing requirements
Check for lane access -- where a lane exists, all vehicle access must come from the lane, which affects site planning significantly

Contact Chilliwack Planning: For zoning questions, call 604-793-2906 or email planning@chilliwack.com.

Official Chilliwack SSMUH Resources

Chilliwack Press Releases

Official announcements including SSMUH updates and public hearing notices

Chilliwack Bylaws

Access Bylaw 5395, Zoning Bylaw 5000, and OCP Bylaw 5500

Bylaw 5395 (SSMUH Adoption)

Full text of the Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 2024, No. 5395

Parking Regulations

Parking bylaw details including SSMUH-specific requirements

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