Cash-In-Lieu of Affordable Housing

Cash-in-lieu (CIL) is a payment made by a developer in lieu of building all or part of the below-market rental or non-market housing that is required when accessing additional density in applicable zones. Cash-in-lieu payments are deposited into a dedicated reserve fund and used to support the delivery of non-market housing in Coquitlam.

When and How does Cash-in-Lieu Apply? 

Effective June 30, 2026, the City of Coquitlam adopted bylaws to implement a new approach to density bonus and rental incentives in high-density zones that meets provincial requirements.

Optional bonus density is available in new high-density residential and mixed-used zones, consisting of up to 1.5 FAR of purpose-built rental housing, including affordable housing (below-market rental or non-market housing).

The affordable housing contribution can be satisfied through the delivery of in-kind below-market rental/non-market housing units or payment of cash-in-lieu (or a combination of both). While cash-in-lieu is provided as an option, Coquitlam encourages the delivery of in-kind units in larger, multi-building developments.   

The applicable zones set out permissions related to the additional density and the option for cash-in-lieu. Schedule “E” to the Zoning Bylaw contains provisions related to cash-in-lieu including application of rates, how payments are calculated, when payments are made, and the methodology used to establish rates. These provisions apply when an applicant elects to use the cash-in-lieu option.

For questions or more information, please contact City development staff .

Cash-in-Lieu Rates (Effective June 30, 2026)

Cash-in-Lieu rates vary based on whether the required affordable housing gross floor area is instead provided as strata or market rental. Cash-in-lieu rates are expressed as a dollar amount per square foot of residential gross floor area. Cash-in-lieu rates may be reviewed annually and adjusted as needed.