Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing

Generally, three to six SSMUH units may be constructed on a single residential property zoned RS1-RS4 without the need to rezone, depending on the lot’s location, size and proximity to transit.

• Three units on lots 280 m2 or smaller.
• Four units on lots greater than 280 m2
•  Six units on lots greater than 280 m2 within 400 metres of frequent bus service (in Port Coquitlam, this is generally along Lougheed Highway)

There are some exceptions. For example, SSMUH units are not permitted on RS-zoned properties within a designated Transit Oriented Area. 

Development Options

There are several development options for SSMUH. The City’s intent is to provide a balance between housing types, sizes and tenures (rental or ownership). 

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• For detailed information, regulations and requirements for SSMUH development, review the Zoning Bylaw [PDF/1.8MB] or contact Planning
• Find out the zoning on your property on PoCoMAP.
• Read the provincial government’s SSMUH guidelines.

Small-scale residential properties are designated as Development Permit Areas in the Official Community Plan, to ensure the dwellings and landscaping will fit the neighbourhood.

New duplexes, accessory dwelling units and developments with three or more units will require a SSMUH development permit before a building permit can be issued. 

Learn more about SSMUH development permits and the application process.

There are many factors to consider when designing a SSMUH development. Homeowners may benefit from seeking professional help to navigate the design and approval process, particularly pertaining to the technical components.

A few factors that are important to consider (but often overlooked) include:

• Restrictive Covenants: If there is a restrictive covenant prohibiting secondary suites or accessory dwellings registered on your property’s title, it must be discharged with the Land Titles Authority.
• Floodplain Regulations: Habitable rooms are not permitted below the flood construction level if the property is located within a floodplain.
• Vehicle Access: Vehicle access is generally restricted to a lane (when available). 
• Watercourse Proximity: A Watercourse Protection Development Permit may be required if the property is within 15m of a watercourse.
• Trees: An arborist report and Tree Cutting Permit may be required if there are trees on or next to the property that will be impacted by the development. We always recommend applicants do their best to retain and protect tree canopy, especially for large and significant trees.
• Servicing: Infrastructure upgrades may be required. More information is provided in the Infrastructure Costs section below.

It is important that SSMUH developers understand all possible costs and follow all applicable rules and regulations to ensure their projects are safe and financially sustainable.  

A professional can help estimate the various types of design, permitting, servicing and construction costs you will need to consider for a SSMUH project.

Some examples of municipal costs include:

•  Infrastructure costs, including:
  • Offsite costs to connect the new units to existing infrastructure and utilities
  • Potential costly upgrades to City infrastructure to accommodate the increased demand on services
  • Development cost charges levied on all new development, to contribute toward infrastructure costs
  • Various permitting fees (including Development Permit and Building Permit) and other potential municipal costs

Learn more:

• For more information about infrastructure costs, see the next section.
• For information about Development Permits and fees, contact Planning
• For information about Building Permits and fees, contact Building

Costs vary for each project depending on the location and the state of the existing infrastructure, and may include:

Road Improvements

• Upgrades to roads and lanes to comply with the subdivision servicing bylaw.
• May include widening, paving, and signage.

Utility Connections

• Water/Storm/Sanitary: Connecting to municipal systems and upgrading existing mains to meet new bylaw requirements.
• Underground utility connections (e.g. electricity, telecommunications and cable) by third-party agencies.
• Natural gas installation and upgrades if necessary (gas connections are the responsibility of the developer, handled separately from this process).

Sidewalks and Pedestrian Access

• Construction or upgrades to sidewalks and pathways for safe access.

Other Requirements/Charges

• Corner properties may be required to dedicate a triangle-shaped area at the corner for road/intersection purposes (known as a corner cut dedication), as well as access from lanes.
• Developers may be required to dedicate land to meet City development requirements, along with any additional documentation, such as geotechnical, archeological and environmental reports, as necessary.

Each new unit on a residential property places additional demand on infrastructure that was originally intended for one home per property.

In some cases—particularly in more established neighbourhoods—developers will 
be required to conduct testing at their own expense to determine if the existing 
single-family infrastructure has the capacity for the additional proposed units.

If the infrastructure does not meet current bylaw standards and have capacity for additional units, the developer will be required to pay or construct for upgrades that could add more than $100,000 to $200,000 to their costs.

We encourage developers to consult a professional engineer to understand potential costs related to their project.

Development Engineering staff are also available to answer questions, contact Development Engineering.

This table provides a general estimate of offsite costs per each new unit associated with common required upgrades. The typical cost of infrastructure upgrades may range from $10,000 to $20,000 per metre of the property’s street frontage.

However, costs will vary for each development and may be significantly higher based on the required upgrades and additional complexities.

Please seek guidance from a professional engineer to obtain a clearer understanding of offsite costs for your project.

* Subject to change.

This scenario shows the cost of varying types of offsite works for a recently constructed home in Port Coquitlam: 

• New single-family home 
•  Oxford Heights neighbourhood (central Port Coquitlam, north side)
• Lot size of 373 sq.m. 
• Street frontage of 10 sq.m.
• Costs would be similar for a SSMUH development because they are applied per property, not per unit.

It is important to seek professional advice before proceeding with your development to fully understand your site’s unique potential offsite costs. 

* For corner lots with lane access on two sides, recent examples include more than $100,000 in additional offsite costs.
** Gas connections are the responsibility of the developer.