Bill 44 Active — Updated March 2026

Port Coquitlam SSMUH Multiplex & Gentle Density Guide

Port Coquitlam's Bylaw 3630 has been amended to permit up to 4 dwelling units in RS1-4 zones, and 4-6 units on most single residential properties. Following initial SSMUH amendments in June 2024, Council adopted further bylaw amendments on June 23, 2025 to support implementation. The Lougheed/Shaughnessy area between Fraser Ave and Manning Ave has a specific extension to December 31, 2025. An SSMUH Development Permit is required for all SSMUH projects before a building permit can be issued. OCP and zoning updates must be completed by December 31, 2025 based on the Housing Needs Report. With three Transit Oriented Areas and a housing target of 2,279 net new units by 2029, PoCo is one of the Tri-Cities' strongest markets for missing middle development.

Source: City of Port Coquitlam, SSMUH program page and Zoning Bylaw No. 3630 (2008), as amended.

Port Coquitlam's SSMUH Framework

Port Coquitlam's SSMUH regulations operate under the city's Zoning Bylaw No. 3630 (2008), as amended to permit up to 4 dwelling units in RS1-4 zones, and 4-6 units on most single residential properties under BC's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing legislation. The initial SSMUH amendments were adopted in June 2024, with parking regulation changes under Bylaw No. 4375 following concurrently.

On June 23, 2025, Council adopted further bylaw amendments to the Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision Servicing Bylaw No. 2241 to support SSMUH implementation. The RS1, RS2, RS3, and RS4 zones now permit small-scale multi-unit housing on eligible lots under 4,050 m2. The Lougheed/Shaughnessy area between Fraser Ave and Manning Ave has been granted an extension to December 31, 2025. OCP and zoning updates must be completed by December 31, 2025 based on the Housing Needs Report. Port Coquitlam's housing target under the provincial framework is 2,279 net new units by July 31, 2029.

Important: SSMUH units are prohibited on RS-zoned properties that fall within designated Transit Oriented Areas. Those properties follow separate, typically higher-density zoning rules. Additionally, new duplexes, developments with 3 or more dwellings, or ADUs require an SSMUH Development Permit before a building permit can be issued.

Key regulatory changes

Initial SSMUH amendments adopted June 2024 to Zoning Bylaw No. 3630 (2008).
Bylaw 3630 amended to permit up to 4 dwelling units in RS1-4 zones, and 4-6 units on most single residential properties.
June 23, 2025: Council adopted further bylaw amendments to Zoning Bylaw No. 3630 and Subdivision Servicing Bylaw No. 2241 to support SSMUH implementation.
Lougheed/Shaughnessy area between Fraser Ave and Manning Ave granted extension to December 31, 2025.
SSMUH Development Permit required for all SSMUH projects before building permit issuance.
OCP and zoning updates must be completed by December 31, 2025 based on the Housing Needs Report.
SSMUH units prohibited on RS-zoned properties within designated Transit Oriented Areas (separate rules apply).
Building height increased from 7.5 m to 11.0 m (3 storeys) for SSMUH developments.
Parking minimums eliminated in Transit Oriented Areas and within 400 m of frequent transit.
Lots over 4,050 m2 excluded from SSMUH eligibility.
2026 outlook: City staff reviewing policies for townhouses, rowhouses, and intensive small-scale residential development.

Unit Allowances by Lot Size & Transit

Lot Size	Location	Max Units
≤ 280 m2	Any eligible RS-zoned lot	3 units
> 280 m2	Outside 400 m of frequent bus stop	4 units
> 280 m2	Within 400 m of frequent bus stop	6 units
> 4,050 m2	Any location	Excluded

6-unit developments consist of a triplex plus secondary suites. SSMUH is prohibited on RS-zoned lots within designated Transit Oriented Areas. Source: City of Port Coquitlam SSMUH Page

Lots up to 280 m2 (3,014 sq ft)

Up to 3 units

Applies to all eligible RS1-RS4 zoned lots under this size threshold.

Lots over 280 m2 — outside transit

Up to 4 units

Standard allowance for larger lots not within 400 m of a frequent bus stop.

Lots over 280 m2 — within 400 m of frequent transit

Up to 6 units

Triplex plus secondary suites. Lot must be within 400 m of frequent bus service, typically along Lougheed Highway.

Port Coquitlam RS Zone Subdivision Standards

SSMUH applies across four RS zones in Port Coquitlam, each with distinct minimum lot sizes and frontage requirements. Understanding your zone determines subdivision potential and unit configurations.

Zone	Min Lot Area	Min Width	Description
RS1	500 m2	15 m	Standard single-family residential
RS2	375 m2	12 m	Compact single-family residential
RS3	4,000 m2	30 m	Large-lot residential
RS4	300 m2	9.5 m	Small-lot residential

Exclusions & Special Considerations

SSMUH units are prohibited on RS-zoned properties within designated Transit Oriented Areas (separate density rules apply)
Lots greater than 4,050 m2 are excluded from SSMUH eligibility
RS3 zone (4,000 m2 minimum, 30 m width) — large-lot properties with distinct development potential
Hazard lands, heritage properties, and sites without municipal water/sewer may be subject to additional restrictions

Transit Oriented Areas (TOAs) in Port Coquitlam

Three Transit Oriented Areas influence development in Port Coquitlam. Within TOAs, parking minimums are eliminated and separate density rules apply that are typically more permissive than SSMUH.

Key distinction: SSMUH units are prohibited on RS-zoned properties within designated Transit Oriented Areas. If your lot falls within a TOA, it follows the TOA's own zoning and density framework rather than the SSMUH rules described on this page. Confirm your lot's status with Port Coquitlam Planning.

Category 1 TOA

Coquitlam Central Station

SkyTrain station with frequent transit connections. Highest density allowances.

Category 1 TOA

Lincoln Station

SkyTrain station. Category 1 designation enables maximum unit counts and eliminated parking.

Category 2 TOA

Port Coquitlam WCE Station

West Coast Express commuter rail station. Category 2 designation with transit-oriented density bonuses.

SSMUH Development Permit Requirement

All new duplexes, developments with 3 or more dwellings, and accessory dwelling units require an SSMUH Development Permit before a building permit can be issued. This applies to projects on RS-zoned lots outside of designated Transit Oriented Areas.

Housing forms you can build

Port Coquitlam's SSMUH framework supports multiple gentle density housing types across RS zones. Combine configurations to maximize unit count and development potential based on your lot size and transit proximity.

Duplexes with secondary suites

Two principal units with the ability to add secondary suites. FSR of approximately 0.75 for duplex configurations.

Triplexes (up to 6 units near transit)

Three principal units plus secondary suites on lots within 400 m of frequent transit, reaching up to 6 dwelling units total with 1.00 FSR.

Fourplexes

Four units on lots over 280 m2 outside transit areas. A balanced approach to gentle density in standard residential neighborhoods.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

Up to 90 m2 (968 sq ft), max 2 storeys, height 7.5-8.5 m depending on roof slope. Requires 1 independently accessible parking space.

Key regulations snapshot

These baseline standards guide envelope design for SSMUH projects in Port Coquitlam. Confirm current limits with the Planning Department before submitting drawings.

Floor Space Ratio (FSR)

Approximately 0.70 FSR for 3-unit developments, 0.75 FSR for duplexes, and up to 1.00 FSR for triplex/6-unit configurations near transit.

Building Height

Pre-SSMUH: 7.5 m (up to 9.0 m with steep roof pitch). Under SSMUH: up to 11.0 m and 3 storeys for multiplex development.

ADU Height & Size

ADU height ranges 7.5-8.5 m depending on roof slope, maximum 2 storeys. Maximum floor area is 90 m2 (968 sq ft).

Maximum Building Depth

18.0 m maximum building depth applies across RS zones to maintain rear yard amenity space.

Setbacks & Coverage

Front yard: 4.0-6.0 m (reduced if lane/transit)
Side yard: 1.2-1.8 m
Max building depth: 18.0 m
Lot coverage: 45-50%

Parking Requirements

Within Transit Oriented Area (TOA): Parking minimums eliminated entirely
Within 400 m of frequent transit: No minimum parking requirements
ADU parking: 1 independently accessible parking space per ADU

How VanPlex Supports Port Coquitlam SSMUH Projects

Concept to Permit

We coordinate architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure your Port Coquitlam SSMUH project aligns with Zoning Bylaw No. 3630 and your specific RS zone. From navigating the SSMUH Development Permit process to building permit issuance, we handle the regulatory complexity for developments of every scale.

Feasibility Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of your Port Coquitlam lot's SSMUH potential, including RS zone classification, transit proximity, TOA eligibility, unit configurations, and pro forma projections.

Request Your Port Coquitlam SSMUH Feasibility

Share your Port Coquitlam address to receive a tailored analysis including your RS zone, unit allowance, transit proximity, parking requirements, and development pro forma.

Getting Started with Port Coquitlam SSMUH

Before beginning your Port Coquitlam SSMUH project, address these key considerations:

Confirm your lot's RS zone (RS1, RS2, RS3, or RS4) and applicable subdivision standards.
Determine proximity to frequent transit stops — lots within 400 m qualify for 6 units and zero parking.
Check whether your property falls within a designated Transit Oriented Area — SSMUH is prohibited within TOAs (different rules apply).
An SSMUH Development Permit is required for all SSMUH projects — this must be completed before you can apply for a building permit.
Note the Lougheed/Shaughnessy extension to December 31, 2025 for the area between Fraser Ave and Manning Ave.
OCP and zoning updates must be completed by December 31, 2025 based on the Housing Needs Report.
Review site-specific constraints including easements, environmental considerations, and servicing requirements.
Confirm ADU requirements: 90 m2 max size, 1 independently accessible parking space.
Watch for 2026 policy updates — City staff are reviewing rules for townhouses, rowhouses, and intensive small-scale residential development.

Contact Port Coquitlam Planning: For zoning questions, call 604-927-5442 or email [email protected]. City Hall: 2580 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2A8.

Official Port Coquitlam SSMUH Resources

Provincial Housing Legislation

Official overview of Bill 44 implementation in Port Coquitlam

SSMUH Development Page

Small-scale multi-unit housing development information and guidelines

SSMUH Development Permits

Development permit requirements for duplexes, 3+ unit developments, and ADUs

Bylaw No. 4374 (PDF)

Initial SSMUH zoning amendment to Bylaw 3630

Property Development & Building

General development information, permits, and building services

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