What Are The Rules For Building A Multiplex (SSMUH) In Coquitlam?
- Daniel Clarke
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
* Updated November 15, 2025
Eligible Zones: R1, R2, R3, R4
Eligible Property Size: 3 units < 280 m²; 4 units - 280 m² to 4050 m² (3014 ft² to 1 acre)
Rear Lane Requirement: No
Applicable to Existing Buildings: Yes
Maximum Number Of Buildings: R1, R2, R4 - one or more; R3 - one building
Maximum Number Of Units: 3 or 4
Maximum Floor Space/Area Ratio (FSR / FAR):
R1 - 2 units 0.65, 4 units 0.75; R2 - 0.75; R3 - 0.50; R4 - 0.85
Maximum Building Height: 11m (36')
Maximum Number of Storeys: 3 including basement
Maximum Site Coverage: R1, R2, R4 - 50%; R3 - 45%
Front Setback: R1 - 5.5m (18'); R2 - 4m (13'-2"); R3 - 5.5m (18'); R4 - 4.5m (14'-9")
Side Yard: 1.2m (4')
Rear Setback: no rear lane 6m (20'); rear lane 1.2m (4')
Minimum Separation Between Buildings:
R1, R2 - 2 storeys 6m (20'); 3 storeys 9m; (30'); R3 - n/a, R4 TBD
Parking Requirement: 1 per dwelling unit < 79 m² (850 ft²), 1.5 per dwelling unit < 158 m² (1700 ft²), 2 per dwelling unit > 158m² (1700 ft²)
Separate Development Permit (DP) Process: Yes, if not using a Coquitlam standardized design
Non-council Approval Process: Yes - Coquitlam standardized designs
Development Fees: TBD
Building Envelope Professional (BEP) Required: No
Do you own a SSMUH-eligible lot and want to confirm how these regulations define your options for building a triplex, fourplex, or other multiplex? I offer a simple, inexpensive redevelopment study service called the RED Reportâ„¢. Download a sample by clicking the link below.
If you'd like to book a free, 30-minute consultation with me to discuss how to move your development plans from the rough idea stage into the solid research phase, click the button below.
DISCLAIMER:
The information included in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only; it does not constitute legal or professional advice, and additional restrictions may apply to your property. Thorough efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the article at the time of writing, but having read this article, you understand and agree that Daniel Clarke Architect Inc. disclaims any legal liability for actions that may arise from reliance on the information provided in this article. I am an architect in BC, but readers are recommended to consult with their own architect on their specific situations before making any decisions or exercising judgement base on information in the article.