What are Pitt Meadows' SSMUH zoning zones?

Pitt Meadows adopted Bylaw 2986 on June 25, 2024, creating three new SSMUH zones: R-3 (up to 3 units on lots 280 m2 or less), R-4 (up to 4 units on lots over 280 m2), and R-6 (up to 6 units on lots over 280 m2 within 400 m of transit). These replace the former R-1, R-2, and RD zones under Zoning Bylaw No. 2505.

How many units can I build in Pitt Meadows under SSMUH?

In Pitt Meadows, lots 280 m2 or smaller allow up to 3 units (R-3 zone). Lots larger than 280 m2 allow up to 4 units (R-4 zone). Lots larger than 280 m2 within 400 metres of the Maple Meadows West Coast Express Station allow up to 6 units (R-6 zone).

Do I need parking for SSMUH in Pitt Meadows?

In the R-6 zone (within 400 m of transit), no off-street parking is required. In R-3 and R-4 zones, parking is 0.5 spaces per unit for units 90 m2 or smaller, and 1.5 spaces per unit for units larger than 90 m2.

What is gentle density in Pitt Meadows?

Gentle density in Pitt Meadows refers to small-scale multi-unit housing permitted under BC's Bill 44 SSMUH legislation, including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and sixplexes. Development is limited to 3 storeys and approximately 10 m in height, with a minimum unit size of approximately 29 m2.

Is ALR land eligible for SSMUH in Pitt Meadows?

No. Pitt Meadows has significant Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) acreage, and ALR land is excluded from SSMUH eligibility. Additionally, Pitt Meadows Regional Airport imposes height restrictions on certain properties that may affect development.

What are Pitt Meadows' housing targets?

Pitt Meadows has a 5-year housing target of 727 units, a 5-year housing need of 1,521 units, and a 20-year housing need of 5,195 units, as identified in the OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 3034 adopted December 2, 2025.

Bill 44 Active — Bylaw 2986 Adopted June 25, 2024 | Updated March 2026

Pitt Meadows SSMUH Multiplex & Gentle Density Guide

Pitt Meadows' Bill 44 implementation created three new SSMUH zones (R-3, R-4, R-6), replacing the former R-1, R-2, and RD zones. Up to 6 units are permitted near the Maple Meadows West Coast Express Station with zero parking requirements.

Check your Pitt Meadows address

Pitt Meadows' SSMUH Zoning Framework

On June 25, 2024, Pitt Meadows Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2986, amending Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 to comply with BC's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation.

The amendments replaced the former R-1, R-2, and RD residential zones with three new SSMUH zones: R-3, R-4, and R-6, and designated Transit Oriented Areas (TOAs) near the Maple Meadows West Coast Express Station. Eligible lots are those within the urban boundary that are not in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Since adoption, the City has completed its first review of how the SSMUH zoning and TOA bylaws have been working in practice.

Council also moved forward with OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 3034, 2025, granting first and second readings on October 28, 2025, holding a public hearing on November 18, 2025, and giving third reading and adoption on December 2, 2025 to meet the provincial deadline. The bylaw established housing targets of 727 units over 5 years and 5,195 units over 20 years.

Unit Allowances by Zone

Zone	Lot Size	Location	Max Units
R-3	≤ 280 m2	Any eligible lot	3 units
R-4	> 280 m2	Outside Transit-Oriented Area	4 units
R-6	> 280 m2	Within 400 m of Maple Meadows Station	6 units

Source: City of Pitt Meadows SSMUH Handout (2024)

Pitt Meadows' 3 SSMUH Zones

The three new zones replace the previous R-1, R-2, and RD zones. Each zone allows duplexes, triplexes, secondary suites, and detached accessory dwelling units. The R-6 zone near Maple Meadows West Coast Express Station offers the highest density with zero parking requirements.

R-3 Zone

Up to 3 units on smaller lots (≤ 280 m2)

R-4 Zone

Up to 4 units on larger lots (> 280 m2)

R-6 Zone (Transit-Oriented)

Up to 6 units, within 400 m of Maple Meadows Station, zero parking

Pitt Meadows SSMUH Regulation Snapshot

Parking Requirements

R-6 Zone (Transit): No off-street parking required
R-3 / R-4 (units ≤ 90 m2): 0.5 spaces per unit
R-3 / R-4 (units > 90 m2): 1.5 spaces per unit

Height & Building Envelope

Max height: 3 storeys / ~10 m
Building depth: Maximum 22 m
First floor: Max 0.8 m above grade

Unit Standards

Min unit size: ~29 m2 (provincial standard)
Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes permitted
Secondary suites and detached ADUs allowed

Housing Targets

5-year target: 727 units
5-year need: 1,521 units
20-year need: 5,195 units

Per OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 3034, adopted Dec 2, 2025

Exemptions & Special Considerations

Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR): Significant ALR land in Pitt Meadows is excluded from SSMUH eligibility. Lots within the ALR cannot use the new R-3, R-4, or R-6 zones.
Pitt Meadows Regional Airport: Properties near the airport are subject to height restrictions that may limit SSMUH building envelopes. Confirm airport overlay zoning before proceeding.
Floodplain management requirements may apply to certain lots given Pitt Meadows' low-lying geography
Lots not connected to municipal water or sewer services may be excluded

How VanPlex Supports Pitt Meadows SSMUH Projects

Concept to Permit

We coordinate architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure your Pitt Meadows SSMUH project aligns with Bylaw 2505 and the applicable zone (R-3, R-4, or R-6). From transit-oriented sixplex feasibility in R-6 to triplex configurations in R-3, we handle the regulatory complexity.

Feasibility Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of your Pitt Meadows lot's SSMUH potential, including zone classification, Maple Meadows transit area eligibility, ALR clearance, airport overlay check, unit configurations, and pro forma projections.

Request Your Pitt Meadows SSMUH Feasibility

Share your Pitt Meadows address to receive a tailored analysis including your SSMUH zone, unit allowance, parking requirements, and development pro forma.

Getting Started with Pitt Meadows SSMUH

Before beginning your Pitt Meadows SSMUH project, follow these steps:

Confirm your lot is not within the ALR and is eligible for SSMUH under Bylaw 2986
Determine your zone: R-3 (≤ 280 m2), R-4 (> 280 m2), or R-6 (> 280 m2 within 400 m of Maple Meadows Station)
Check for airport height restrictions if your property is near Pitt Meadows Regional Airport
Review site-specific constraints including floodplain requirements, easements, and servicing
Review the SSMUH Handout (2024) for zone-specific building envelope details

Contact Pitt Meadows: For zoning and development questions, call 604-465-5454 or email info@pittmeadows.ca. For engineering and servicing inquiries, email engineering@pittmeadows.ca.

Official Pitt Meadows SSMUH Resources

Provincial Housing Legislation Page

Official SSMUH overview, bylaw updates, and housing legislation information

SSMUH Handout (2024, PDF)

Visual summary of R-3, R-4, and R-6 zone regulations and building envelopes

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2986 (PDF)

Full bylaw text amending Zoning Bylaw No. 2505 for SSMUH compliance

OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 3034

Housing targets and needs assessment adopted December 2, 2025

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