Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) refers to a range of housing types that are ground-oriented and provide diverse options that can be compatible in scale and form within established neighbourhoods.

 Examples of small-scale, multi-unit housing include:

• Secondary suites in single-family dwellings
• Detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), like coach houses or laneway homes
• Triplexes
• Rowhomes
• Multiplexes

The SSMUH requirements (per Section 481.3 of the Local Government Act) apply only to residential parcels that are located within provincially-defined “Restricted Zones”.

Restricted Zones are parcels that were previously zoned to only allow single-family and/or duplex dwellings, with or without one additional housing unit (e.g., attached secondary suite or detached secondary suite) per principal dwelling.

This definition does not encompass parcels that permit a single-family dwelling, an attached secondary suite (basement suite) and a detached secondary suite (coach house). Since most single-family zones (RS1-5 and RS7-10) across the District already permit a combination of these three dwelling types per parcel, they are not subject to the SSMUH regulations.

Furthermore, a Ministerial Notice received on July 25, 2024 identifies the following zones to be within the “Restricted Zone”, and requires amendments to their permitted use and densities to comply with SSMUH requirements: CU3, CU5, CD4, CD41, CD47, CD48, CD49, CD77, CD80, CD81, CD82, PA2, RD1, RD2, and RD3. Properties in zones outside of the above list are not impacted by the Province’s SSMUH requirements.

• July 26, 2024 Council Report Package 
• Map of all Impacted Zones in Adopted Bylaw 5351

If a parcel is within the “Restricted Zone” and is not exempted by the legislation, the legislation requires the following minimum dwelling unit densities, based on parcel size and proximity to prescribed bus stops (i.e., frequent transit bus stops):

• Parcel area < 280 m2 = 3 units
• Parcel area ≥ 280 m2 & > 400 m from prescribed bus stop = 4 units
• Parcel area ≥ 281 m2 & ≤ 400 m from prescribed bus stop = 6 units and no parking requirements for the 6 units

The RS6 zone (consisting of Abode & Eagle Island) is considered a “Restricted Zone” as defined in the Local Government Act. However, the District has submitted an exemption request for these parcels to the Province in Spring 2023, as its island nature raises specific concerns regarding safety, emergency response, marine access, engineering services, and environmental impacts for the prescribed increase in permitted units. The Province has confirmed receipt of the request and more information will be available once a decision has been made.

On May 27, 2024, Council considered Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 5327, 2024 required to facilitate the provincially mandated requirement (by June 30) to accommodate small-scale, multi-unit housing options in land use zones that are otherwise restricted to single-family dwellings or duplexes. The motion to give the amending bylaw first reading was defeated by a majority vote of Council.

On July 25, 2024, the District received a notice from the Minister of Housing regarding its non-compliance with Provincial Bill 44 (2023) by the deadline of June 30, 2024. In accordance with the Ministerial Notice, Council adopted Amendment Bylaw No. 5351 on Monday, August 12, 2024.

Please visit the below documents to learn more:

• April 27, 2024 Council Report
• Map of Comparison between new Proposed Bylaw 5351 and previous Proposed Bylaw 5327 (defeated on May 25, 2024)

For any questions regarding SSMUH, please contact the Planning Department via email: [email protected]

To learn more about the Province of BC’s housing initiatives, please visit the following websites:

• Homes for People Action Plan
• Local Government Housing Initiatives