Bill 44 Active — Bylaw 580 Consolidated May 2025 — Updated March 2026

Sechelt SSMUH Multiplex & Gentle Density Guide

Sechelt's Bylaw 580-10 enables up to 4 units on serviced lots within the urban containment boundary. The R2, R3, R4, and R6 zones support duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and ADUs on BC's Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Ferry Access

Sechelt has no road bridge to the Lower Mainland. Access is via BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (40-minute crossing). Ferry charges apply one-way only — you pay to reach the Sunshine Coast but not to leave. This unique geography shapes development economics, construction logistics, and rental market dynamics.

Sechelt's SSMUH Zoning Framework

In 2024, the District of Sechelt adopted Bylaw 580-10, amending Zoning Bylaw No. 580, 2022 (consolidated May 2025) to comply with BC's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation.

The amendments establish four key residential zones — R2 (Low Density), R3 (Small Lot), R4 (Urban Infill), and R6 (SSMUH 1) — enabling up to 4 dwelling units on all lots with municipal water and sewer services within the urban containment boundary.

Sechelt also met all provincial requirements for residential housing policies within its Official Community Plan months ahead of the deadline, adopting Bylaw Amendment No. 492-35 in December 2024. The updated OCP policies support increases to floor-area ratios and building heights, part of the District's broader 2023-2026 strategic plan to support effective growth and streamline development density provisions.

SSMUH Zones & Regulations

Zone	Description	FSR	Height	Lot Coverage
R2	Low Density Residential	--	8.5 m	--
R3	Small Lot Residential	--	--	45%
R4	Urban Infill	1.5	8.5 m / 2 storeys	45%
R6	SSMUH 1	1.5	--	50%

Source: District of Sechelt Zoning Bylaw 580 (consolidated May 2025)

R4 Zone: Unit Configurations

The R4 (Urban Infill) zone is the primary SSMUH zone in Sechelt, allowing up to 4 units per lot. Three configuration options are available:

Option A: Two Duplexes

Two side-by-side or stacked duplex buildings (4 units total)

Option B: Duplex + Secondary Suite/Unit

One duplex plus one secondary suite or secondary dwelling unit

Option C: Triplex + Detached ADU

One triplex building plus one detached accessory dwelling unit

R6 Zone: SSMUH 1

The R6 (SSMUH 1) zone requires a minimum of 2 dwelling units per lot, with an FSR of 1.5 and lot coverage of 50%. This zone is designed to ensure that new development on designated lots contributes to Sechelt's housing supply.

R3 Zone: Small Lot Residential

The R3 (Small Lot) zone has specific constraints for single-family dwellings:

Max GFA: 160 m2

Maximum gross floor area for single-family dwellings

2nd Storey: 60% max

Second storey limited to 60% of first storey floor area

Min Lot: 500 m2 / 14 m wide

Minimum lot area 500 m2 with 14 m frontage

Height Measurement Change

Bylaw 580-10 introduced a significant change to how building height is measured in Sechelt:

New method: Height is now measured from average grade (previously measured from lowest grade)
R4 height reduced: Changed from 10.5 m / 3 storeys to 8.5 m / 2 storeys for principal buildings
Accessory buildings: Maximum 5.0 m / 1 storey in the R4 zone
R4 lot coverage: Increased from 40% to 45%

The average grade measurement method can provide more usable building envelope on sloped lots compared to the previous lowest-grade method.

Sechelt SSMUH Regulation Snapshot

Parking Requirements

Townhouse: Approximately 1.98 spaces per unit
Front yard restriction: Off-site parking NOT permitted in front yard

See Bylaw 580 for complete parking regulations by housing form.

Eligibility Requirements

Lot must have municipal water and sewer services
Must be within the urban containment boundary
Zoned R2, R3, R4, or R6 under Bylaw 580

Housing Forms

Duplexes (side-by-side or stacked)
Triplexes with detached ADU
Secondary suites & secondary dwelling units
Detached accessory dwelling units

FSR & Density

R4 FSR: 1.5 (Urban Infill)
R6 FSR: 1.5 (SSMUH 1)
Up to 4 units on serviced lots in urban containment boundary

Sunshine Coast Development Context

Sechelt's location on the Sunshine Coast creates unique considerations for SSMUH development:

Ferry-dependent access: All construction materials, trades, and equipment must cross via BC Ferries (Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, 40 min). Factor ferry costs and scheduling into project timelines.
One-way ferry charges: BC Ferries charges only for travel to the Sunshine Coast (no charge to leave), which affects material delivery cost calculations.
OCP updated ahead of schedule: Sechelt met all provincial residential housing requirements within its Official Community Plan months before the deadline, adopting Bylaw Amendment No. 492-35 in December 2024. The new OCP policies support increases to floor-area ratios and building heights, aligning with the District's 2023-2026 strategic plan. Track ongoing zoning renewal at YourSay Sechelt.
Local trades availability: Smaller contractor pool on the Sunshine Coast may affect construction timelines and costs compared to Lower Mainland projects.

How VanPlex Supports Sechelt SSMUH Projects

Concept to Permit

We coordinate architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure your Sechelt SSMUH project aligns with Bylaw 580 and the applicable zone (R2, R3, R4, or R6). From R4 Urban Infill configurations to R6 SSMUH 1 requirements, we handle the regulatory complexity including Sunshine Coast-specific logistics.

Feasibility Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of your Sechelt lot's SSMUH potential, including zone classification, servicing eligibility, unit configurations, height and FSR calculations, and pro forma projections that account for ferry-access construction costs.

Request Your Sechelt SSMUH Feasibility

Share your Sechelt address to receive a tailored analysis including your SSMUH zone, unit allowance, R4/R6 configuration options, and development pro forma.

Getting Started with Sechelt SSMUH

Before beginning your Sechelt SSMUH project, follow these steps:

Use the District of Sechelt Zoning Page to confirm your lot's zone (R2, R3, R4, or R6) and eligibility
Confirm your lot has municipal water and sewer services and is within the urban containment boundary
For R4 lots, determine which unit configuration (two duplexes, duplex + suite, or triplex + ADU) best suits your site
Review the consolidated Zoning Bylaw 580 for setbacks, FSR, height, and parking requirements
Factor in ferry-access logistics for construction material delivery and trade availability on the Sunshine Coast

Contact Sechelt Planning: For zoning questions, email planning@sechelt.ca or call 604-885-1986. General inquiries: info@sechelt.ca. Vancouver direct line: 604-689-1680. Office: 2nd Floor, 5797 Cowrie St, Sechelt BC V0N 3A0.

Official Sechelt SSMUH Resources

Zoning Bylaw 580 (PDF)

Complete zoning bylaw including Bylaw 580-10 SSMUH amendments, consolidated May 2025

District of Sechelt Zoning Page

Official zoning information, maps, and development resources

YourSay Sechelt: Zoning Renewal

Ongoing zoning renewal engagement and community input portal

YourSay Sechelt: Official Community Plan

OCP updates including Bylaw Amendment 492-35 (adopted Dec 2024) supporting increased FAR and building heights

BC Ferries: Horseshoe Bay - Langdale

Ferry schedules and fares for Sunshine Coast access (40-min crossing)

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