BC's new multiplex rules (Bill 44) let most Tri-Cities homeowners build 3–6 units on a single lot. Find out what applies to yours — instant & free.
In November 2023, BC passed Bill 44 (Housing Statutes Amendment Act), which introduced province-wide Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) rules. These rules override local zoning in most municipalities — including Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam — and came into force on June 30, 2024. Here is what they mean for Tri-Cities homeowners.
The number of units you may build depends primarily on your lot size and proximity to frequent transit. BC uses metric internally (square metres), but the thresholds translate roughly as follows:
| Lot Size | Units Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under ~3,014 sq ft (<280 m²) | 3 units | Small urban lots — typically attached/semi-detached only |
| ~3,014–43,560 sq ft (280 m²–4,050 m²) | 4 units | Standard single-family lots — the most common scenario in the Tri-Cities |
| 280 m²–4,050 m² and within frequent transit (400 m bus / 800 m SkyTrain) | 6 units | Transit-adjacent lots qualify for the higher density |
| Over ~43,560 sq ft (>4,050 m²) | 1 home + secondary suite or coach house | Large rural-style lots follow a different accessory-dwelling path |
Important: these are the baseline provincial rules. Your local municipality may have additional form-and-character guidelines (setbacks, heights, lot coverage) that constrain what you can actually build, even if the unit count is permitted. A pre-application consultation with the city and a conversation with a REALTOR® experienced in land assembly and development are good first steps.
BC defines "frequent transit" for SSMUH purposes as:
In the Tri-Cities, the Evergreen Extension stations — Burquitlam, Coquitlam Central, Lincoln, Lafarge-Lake-Douglas, Moody Centre, and Inlet Centre — all create 800-metre "6-unit zones" around them. Many lots near Lincoln Avenue in Port Coquitlam and near the Lougheed corridor in Coquitlam also qualify via frequent-bus proximity.
Beyond the SSMUH rules, BC has also designated Transit-Oriented Areas (TOAs) around rapid-transit stations. TOAs are layered on top of SSMUH and can allow significantly higher density — including mid-rise and high-rise residential — within defined radii of each station.
In the Tri-Cities, the Evergreen Extension stations are all within TOA zones. The allowable density varies by station tier and distance:
If the estimator above flags your lot as being in a TOA, it means your property may have potential well beyond a four- or six-plex — including possible land-assembly value with neighbouring parcels. These scenarios are best explored with a REALTOR® who understands both the TOA framework and the Tri-Cities land market.
Relevant internal resources: Burquitlam Station area, Coquitlam Central area, Lincoln Station area, Lafarge-Lake-Douglas area, Moody Centre area, Inlet Centre area.