Multiplex & SSMUH
Design & Permits BC

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) is a BC Provincial policy enacted through Bill 44 (the Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2023). It overrides local single-family zoning in most urban municipalities across BC, requiring cities and districts to permit 3 to 6 residential units on lots that previously allowed only one or two. The number of units permitted depends on your lot size and proximity to frequent transit. The result is that millions of BC properties now have significant densification potential without any rezoning application.

The unit allowance under SSMUH depends on two key factors: lot size and transit proximity.
• 3 units are permitted on most lots that previously allowed a single-family home.• 4 units are permitted on lots of 280 m² (approximately 3,000 sq ft) or larger.• 6 units are permitted on lots of 280 m² or larger that are located within 400 metres of a frequent transit stop.
Our Multi-Unit Density Assessment will confirm exactly which category your property falls into — for free — before you commit to any design work.

SSMUH applies to properties in BC communities with a population of 5,000 or more that are currently zoned for single-family or duplex residential use. This covers the vast majority of residential lots in the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, and surrounding municipalities. However, some properties may have site-specific constraints — such as steep slopes, riparian setbacks, heritage designations, or servicing limitations — that affect what can realistically be approved. Our free Density Assessment identifies any such constraints upfront.

Under SSMUH, municipalities cannot require off-street parking for projects on properties located within 400 metres of a bus stop with frequent bus service or within 800 metres of a rapid transit station. For properties outside these transit catchments, standard municipal parking requirements may still apply, though many cities have reduced or waived minimums for small-scale multi-unit projects. Removing a required parking stall can free up significant site area for additional building footprint — often the difference between a viable and a non-viable density project. We evaluate your site's transit proximity as part of every assessment.

Floor Space Ratio (FSR) and Lot Coverage limits for SSMUH projects vary by municipality, but BC's legislation sets minimum standards that cities must accommodate. In general, municipalities must allow at least 1.0 FSR and cannot impose lot coverage limits below 40% for SSMUH projects. Some cities apply more generous standards. Understanding these numbers is critical to determining the yield of your project — our Density Assessment calculates exactly how much buildable square footage your site supports before any design work begins.

For most SSMUH projects involving 3 to 4 units, an Architect is not required under the AIBC's reserved practice rules — a certified Building Technician like Canadian Blueprint can prepare the permit drawings. For projects involving 5 or more dwelling units, an Architect is required under AIBC guidelines. If your project reaches that threshold, we can refer you to trusted architectural partners we work with regularly and continue to manage the technical drawings. We are transparent about this threshold from day one so there are no surprises in your budget.