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1. How many dwelling units will be permitted on my property?

The maximum number of dwelling units permitted on your property will depend on how your property is zoned and the size of your lot. On lots currently restricted to one-family (a.k.a. single-detached) residential uses, the Province has mandated that the City allow:

• A minimum of 3 units on lots with an area less than 280 m² (3,014 sq.ft.).
• A minimum of 4 units on lots with an area greater than 280 m² (3,014 sq.ft.).

The legislation also establishes requirements for lots near bus stops with frequent service, but TransLink (the regional transit agency in Metro Vancouver) has confirmed that none of the bus stops in Coquitlam meet the necessary criteria.

The City is still determining exactly how these changes will be put into effect in Coquitlam.

2. What kinds of buildings and unit configurations will be permitted?

There is no requirement from the Province for specific built form or unit configuration. A variety of building forms are currently allowed in many areas of Coquitlam. The City is exploring which options might best meet the City’s goals and objectives of providing high-quality, livable housing choice and diversity while also aligning with the provincial legislative changes.

3. How will this legislation impact my ability to build a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit (such as a garden cottage or carriage house)?

The legislation aims to make it easier to build accessory dwelling units and secondary suites by allowing them on most lots (with some exceptions). Accessory dwelling units and secondary suites will count as dwelling units, and the City is currently exploring the best configuration of units and buildings that would be allowed on a lot.

4. Can I stratify the units so that they can be bought and sold separately?

In Coquitlam, secondary suites and accessory dwelling units cannot be stratified or subdivided. Small-scale housing like duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and multiplexes can be stratified and sold.

5. What is the timeline for changes to the Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan?

On September 16, the Province approved the City’s application to extend the deadline for the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Zoning Bylaw changes. The new deadline for Coquitlam is June 30, 2025. See our Information Bulletin for more information, and stay tuned to our Let's Talk page for further updates.

6. Can I still build a single-detached house on my property?

Yes, single-detached housing will still be permitted on all properties currently zoned to allow for single-detached housing. While the Province is mandating that up to 4 units be permitted on a lot (depending on lot size and location), you will not be required to build multiple units on your lot.

7. What kind of infrastructure and service upgrades will be needed for the added density?

As a result of the changes from the Province, significant additional density may be added to neighbourhoods, resulting in a corresponding increase in the infrastructure required to support this density, including upgrades such as water and sewer-line capacity, and electrical services.  It is difficult to estimate what the total cost for these upgrades may be at this time.