Bill 44 Active — Phase 1: June 2024 | Phase 2: February 2025 | Updated August 2026
Squamish SSMUH Multiplex & Gentle Density Guide
Squamish's phased SSMUH implementation under Bylaw 2200 opens R-1 through R-5 and AGRI-4 zones to multiplex development. Up to 5 units (4 strata + 1 rental) are permitted at 11 m height in BC's Sea-to-Sky corridor.
Bill 25 and the June 30, 2026 deadline
The Province passed Bill 25, the Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, on November 27, 2025. It widened what counts as a "restricted zone": a zone is now restricted if any parcel in it is limited to a single detached home and/or a duplex, including zones that allow a house with a secondary suite or a detached accessory dwelling unit.
In a restricted zone, the minimums are 3 units on parcels of 280 m² or less, 4 units on parcels over 280 m², and 6 units on parcels over 280 m² that sit within 400 m of a frequent-service bus stop, with no off-street parking minimum in that last case. A stop counts as frequent service when at least one route is scheduled at least every 15 minutes on average, Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Local governments had to update their bylaws by June 30, 2026 unless they were granted an extension; infrastructure-related extension requests were due to the Minister by June 1, 2026. That deadline has now passed. Where a local government has not complied, the Minister of Housing has the authority to impose the zoning directly by order.
Compliance has not been uniform across the region, so before you design to a specific unit count, confirm the current bylaw status for your lot with the municipality.
Squamish's SSMUH Zoning Framework
The District of Squamish amended Bylaw 2200 (2011) to comply with BC's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation. The implementation was phased: R-1 zones activated in June 2024, followed by R-2 through R-5 zones in February 2025.
The amendments affect residential zones R-1 through R-5 and the AGRI-4 zone, enabling multiplex development of up to 5 units on eligible lots. The base Zoning Bylaw 2200 was consolidated in February 2025, bringing all SSMUH zones together within the District's growth-management boundary. Squamish's approach uses a Medium Density Residential classification with no maximum FSR, allowing flexibility in unit configuration within height and lot coverage limits.
In parallel, Council is updating the Official Community Plan through OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 3139, 2025, which received First Reading on May 6, 2025. Referral inputs and written comments were collected throughout Summer 2025, with Second Reading planned for Fall 2025. As of August 2026 the District has not published an adopted version of Bylaw 3139, so treat the OCP amendment as still in progress. This does not affect the SSMUH zoning already in effect; the OCP update is intended to align Squamish's long-range land use vision with those zoning changes.
Sea-to-Sky Corridor Context
Squamish (population ~23,819 as of 2021) sits at the heart of the Sea-to-Sky corridor between Vancouver and Whistler along Highway 99. As one of BC's fastest-growing small communities, demand for diverse housing types has outpaced supply. SSMUH provides a regulatory framework to add gentle density within established residential neighborhoods while preserving the mountain-town character that defines the community.
Outdoor Recreation Hub
Growing demand from remote workers, athletes, and outdoor professionals
Highway 99 Corridor
Strategic location between Metro Vancouver and Whistler resort
Rapid Population Growth
Strong in-migration driving housing demand across all price points
Limited Land Supply
Geographic constraints from mountains and waterways intensify need for density
Unit Allowances & Building Regulations
| Regulation | Squamish SSMUH Standard |
|---|---|
| Max Units | 5 units (4 strata + 1 rental) |
| Near Frequent Transit (Bylaw 3170) | 6 units on R-1/R-4 within 400 m of a frequent bus route (dormant — awaiting qualifying transit service) |
| Max Height | 11 m / 3 storeys |
| FSR | No maximum for Medium Density Residential |
| Lot Coverage | 33% (SFD baseline) |
| Max Unit Size | 400 m2 |
| Parking (Principal Units) | 1 space per unit |
| Parking (Suites / ADUs) | 0 spaces required |
Sources: District of Squamish Residential Zoning Changes | Let's Talk Squamish — Zoning Updates | Bylaw 2200 (Consolidated Feb 2025)
Phased Implementation Timeline
Unlike many BC municipalities that activated SSMUH in a single bylaw update, Squamish took a phased approach to manage capacity and infrastructure considerations across its residential zones.
R-1 Zone Activation
The R-1 (Residential 1) zone was the first to be amended under Bylaw 2200, enabling SSMUH development on the largest single-family lots. This zone typically covers established residential neighborhoods with the greatest redevelopment potential.
R-2 through R-5 Activation
The remaining residential zones (R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5) were activated in February 2025, completing Squamish's SSMUH rollout. This expanded eligibility to smaller lots and varied residential contexts across the district.
Squamish SSMUH-Eligible Zones
Six zones under Bylaw 2200 are now eligible for SSMUH development. Each permits multiplex housing up to 5 units (4 strata + 1 rental) at 11 m / 3 storeys, subject to lot-specific constraints including flood hazard status.
R-1 Zone
Active since June 2024 (Phase 1)
R-2 Zone
Active since February 2025 (Phase 2)
R-3 Zone
Active since February 2025 (Phase 2)
R-4 Zone
Active since February 2025 (Phase 2)
R-5 Zone
Active since February 2025 (Phase 2)
AGRI-4 Zone
Agricultural-residential, SSMUH eligible
Squamish SSMUH Regulation Snapshot
Parking Requirements
- Principal units: 1 parking space per unit
- Secondary suites & ADUs: No parking required (0 spaces)
Zero parking for suites and ADUs reduces construction costs and supports gentle density on smaller lots.
Building Envelope
- Height: 11 m / 3 storeys maximum
- Lot coverage: 33% (SFD baseline)
- Max unit size: 400 m2 per unit
No maximum FSR for Medium Density Residential provides flexibility within height and coverage limits.
Unit Configuration
- 5 units maximum: 4 strata-titled + 1 rental
- Bylaw 3170 (dormant): 6 units on R-1/R-4 lots within 400 m of a frequent bus route — will activate once Squamish gains qualifying transit service
- Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and multiplexes
Housing Forms
- Duplexes with secondary suites
- Triplexes and fourplexes
- Multiplexes (up to 5 units)
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
Flood Hazard Zones — Key Constraint for Squamish SSMUH
Squamish is situated at the confluence of the Squamish River, Mamquam River, and Howe Sound, making flood hazard a primary development constraint. Portions of the district fall within designated flood hazard zones that impose additional requirements on SSMUH projects.
- Flood Construction Level (FCL) requirements may apply, requiring elevated foundations
- Some areas may require geotechnical or flood risk assessments before development
- Restricted building areas near watercourses may limit buildable footprint
- Additional engineering and environmental assessments can increase project costs and timelines
- Always verify your lot's flood hazard status with the District before planning a multiplex
How VanPlex Supports Squamish SSMUH Projects
Concept to Permit
We coordinate architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure your Squamish SSMUH project aligns with Bylaw 2200 and the applicable zone (R-1 through R-5 or AGRI-4). From flood hazard assessment to multiplex configuration, we handle the regulatory complexity unique to the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
Feasibility Analysis
Comprehensive analysis of your Squamish lot's SSMUH potential, including zone classification, flood hazard status, unit configurations (up to 4 strata + 1 rental), and pro forma projections accounting for Sea-to-Sky market dynamics.
Request Your Squamish SSMUH Feasibility
Share your Squamish address to receive a tailored analysis including your SSMUH zone, unit allowance, flood hazard considerations, and development pro forma.
Getting Started with Squamish SSMUH
Before beginning your Squamish SSMUH project, follow these steps:
- Visit the District of Squamish residential zoning changes page or the Let's Talk Squamish zoning updates portal to confirm your lot's zone and SSMUH eligibility
- Verify whether your lot falls within a designated flood hazard zone and understand any additional requirements
- Determine your zone (R-1 through R-5 or AGRI-4) and confirm Phase 1 or Phase 2 activation status
- Review site-specific constraints including slope stability, watercourse setbacks, and servicing requirements
- Contact the District of Squamish Planning Department for property-specific guidance on multiplex feasibility
Contact Squamish Planning: For zoning questions and SSMUH eligibility, contact the District of Squamish Planning Department. Visit squamish.ca for current contact information, zoning maps, and application forms.
Official Squamish SSMUH Resources
Squamish Residential Zoning Changes
Official SSMUH overview, zone maps, and eligibility information
Home, Land & Property Development
Building permits, development applications, and planning resources
Let's Talk Squamish — Zoning Updates
Community engagement portal for SSMUH zoning changes and feedback
Squamish Housing Action Plan
OCP Amendment Bylaw 3139 and long-range housing strategy
Bylaw 2200 — Consolidated Zoning Bylaw
Full text of the consolidated zoning bylaw (February 2025) including SSMUH zones
Building & Land Development Hub
Central portal for all development-related services and information
BC Local Government Act (Bill 44)
Provincial SSMUH legislation governing municipal zoning amendments
Keep exploring
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Browse maps →Multiplex & SSMUH Glossary
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