Is Your BC Property Eligible for a Multiplex?
BC's housing legislation requires most municipalities to allow multiplex development. Here is how to check if your specific property qualifies and what you can build.
General eligibility across BC
Under BC Bill 44, municipalities with 5,000+ residents must allow small-scale multi-unit housing on single-family lots. The general requirements are:
- Zoning: Single-family residential zones (R1, RS, etc.) in participating municipalities
- Lot size: Must meet municipal minimum for desired unit count (typically 4,000-6,000+ sq ft)
- Frontage: Minimum width requirements vary by city (33-40ft typical)
- Servicing: Adequate water, sewer, and electrical capacity
- No heritage or environmental restrictions that prevent redevelopment
Eligibility by city
| City | Qualifying zones | Max units | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | R1-1, RT, RM | 3-6 (8 rental) | 33ft+ frontage |
| Burnaby | R1 | 3-6 | Lot size + transit proximity |
| Surrey | RF, RA | 3-4 | Lot area thresholds |
| Coquitlam | RS-1, RS-2 | 3-4 | Lot width + servicing |
| Richmond | R1 | 3-4 | Lot area + flood mitigation |
| North Vancouver (City) | RS | 3-6 | Lot size + transit |
How to check your zoning
Every BC municipality provides online mapping tools:
- Vancouver: vanmap.vancouver.ca
- Burnaby: Burnaby Mapping Online Application
- Surrey: COSMOS mapping
- All cities: Use VanPlex's free eligibility tool (below) for instant analysis
FAQs
Does Bill 44 mean every BC property can build a multiplex?
Not every property. Bill 44 requires municipalities with 5,000+ population to allow SSMUH, but lots must still meet local zoning, lot size, and frontage requirements.
How do I check my property zoning?
Each municipality has an online mapping tool. Or enter your address in VanPlex for instant eligibility analysis across all supported BC cities.
What are the minimum lot requirements?
Requirements vary by municipality. Generally: 33-40ft frontage, 90-120ft depth, 4,000-6,000+ sq ft area depending on unit count.
Check your property eligibility across BC
Enter your address for a free instant eligibility assessment, regardless of which BC city you are in.