Interested in constructing a duplex, triplex, or multiplex on your property in Squamish?
Like many communities in British Columbia, Squamish is experiencing a significant housing shortage, with not enough homes to accommodate its growing population. To address this, the provincial government has introduced new bylaws to streamline the permitting process for small-scale multi-unit housing, making it easier for property owners to develop more housing options.
So, what exactly is “small-scale multi-unit” housing? Housing types exist on a spectrum, from single-family homes on one end to large apartment complexes on the other. In between, there are small-scale multi-unit homes, which include duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, fourplexes, laneway homes, and multiplexes.
A quick look around Squamish’s residential neighborhoods reveals a heavy concentration of single-family homes, with limited mid-density housing options. New municipal zoning updates are helping to bridge this gap by allowing property owners more flexibility to build multi-unit housing, whether it’s a duplex, a laneway home, or even a four-unit multiplex with one legal rental suite.
Why build a multiplex? Developing a multi-unit property comes with multiple advantages. You can create additional living space for your extended family, an ideal solution for multigenerational households. You may also generate rental income by offering units for rent, or you could sell the units to recoup your construction costs. Additionally, increasing housing density in Squamish helps alleviate the housing shortage while making the most of existing residential lots.
How many units can I construct?
Squamish’s zoning bylaws allow up to four units on a single residential lot with the possibility of one additional legal suite, depending on factors such as lot size and location. While the specific regulations may vary, general guidelines include:
● A maximum of three units for smaller lots
● Up to four units for larger lots (with one legal suite)
In most cases, each unit requires its own parking space, although exemptions may apply for smaller homes or properties within a certain distance of transit hubs.
Like many communities in British Columbia, Squamish is experiencing a significant housing shortage, with not enough homes to accommodate its growing population. To address this, the provincial government has introduced new bylaws to streamline the permitting process for small-scale multi-unit housing, making it easier for property owners to develop more housing options.
So, what exactly is “small-scale multi-unit” housing? Housing types exist on a spectrum, from single-family homes on one end to large apartment complexes on the other. In between, there are small-scale multi-unit homes, which include duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, fourplexes, laneway homes, and multiplexes.
A quick look around Squamish’s residential neighborhoods reveals a heavy concentration of single-family homes, with limited mid-density housing options. New municipal zoning updates are helping to bridge this gap by allowing property owners more flexibility to build multi-unit housing, whether it’s a duplex, a laneway home, or even a four-unit multiplex with one legal rental suite.
Why build a multiplex? Developing a multi-unit property comes with multiple advantages. You can create additional living space for your extended family, an ideal solution for multigenerational households. You may also generate rental income by offering units for rent, or you could sell the units to recoup your construction costs. Additionally, increasing housing density in Squamish helps alleviate the housing shortage while making the most of existing residential lots.
How many units can I construct?
Squamish’s zoning bylaws allow up to four units on a single residential lot with the possibility of one additional legal suite, depending on factors such as lot size and location. While the specific regulations may vary, general guidelines include:
● A maximum of three units for smaller lots
● Up to four units for larger lots (with one legal suite)
In most cases, each unit requires its own parking space, although exemptions may apply for smaller homes or properties within a certain distance of transit hubs.
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