What is West Vancouver's SSMUH status?

West Vancouver adopted Bylaw 5351 on August 12, 2024, achieving minimal SSMUH compliance. Only 222 of 7,000+ parcels are eligible today -- the most restrictive implementation in BC. Most RS zones already permitted 3 dwelling types, so they were not considered 'restricted.' Bill 25 closes that loophole. The District missed the June 30, 2026 provincial deadline, and after a June 18, 2026 letter from the Minister of Housing, Council directed staff on June 23, 2026 to prepare compliant amendments. Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 5446, 2026 is scheduled for first, second, and third readings on September 21, 2026.

How many units can I build in West Vancouver under SSMUH?

In West Vancouver SSMUH-affected zones: lots 280 m2 or smaller allow up to 3 units, lots larger than 280 m2 outside transit areas allow up to 4 units, and lots larger than 280 m2 near frequent transit allow up to 6 units. These apply only to the 222 currently affected parcels in zones CU3, CU5, CD4, CD41, CD47-49, CD77, CD80-82, PA2, and RD1-3 as identified by the July 25, 2024 Ministerial Notice.

Do I need parking for SSMUH in West Vancouver?

West Vancouver requires 2.0 parking spaces per dwelling unit for SSMUH developments -- among the highest minimums in Metro Vancouver. This conservative parking standard reflects the District's auto-oriented street network and limited transit coverage, and adds meaningful construction cost to multiplex projects.

Why are only 222 parcels affected by West Vancouver's SSMUH?

West Vancouver's existing Zoning Bylaw 4662 already permitted 3 dwelling types (single-family home, secondary suite, and coach house) in most RS zones (RS1-5, RS7-10). Under the provincial definition, only zones that restricted all three types were considered 'restricted' and required SSMUH amendments. The July 25, 2024 Ministerial Notice identified zones CU3, CU5, CD4, CD41, CD47-49, CD77, CD80-82, PA2, and RD1-3 as restricted, covering just 222 of the District's 7,000+ residential parcels.

What is Bill 25 and how does it affect West Vancouver?

Bill 25, the Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act (passed November 27, 2025), closes the loophole that allowed West Vancouver to limit SSMUH to 222 parcels. It required all municipalities to permit the full range of SSMUH housing types (3-6 units depending on lot size and transit proximity) across all residential zones by June 30, 2026. West Vancouver did not meet that deadline. Council declined to direct staff on March 30, 2026, reversed course on June 23, 2026 after a ministerial letter, and has now scheduled readings of Amendment Bylaw No. 5446, 2026 for September 21, 2026. Under the Local Government Act, no public hearing is permitted on the amendment.

What is the FSR for multiplex development in West Vancouver?

In West Vancouver's SSMUH-affected zones, single-family zones allow an FSR of 0.35 plus 32.5 m2. Duplex zones RD1 and RD2 allow an FSR of 0.50, and RD3 allows 0.75. Coach houses are permitted up to 148.6 m2 total GFA with an FAR exemption of 0.10 or 74.3 m2.

Deadline missed -- Bill 25 amendment readings set for September 21, 2026 | Updated August 2026

West Vancouver SSMUH Multiplex & Gentle Density Guide

West Vancouver adopted Bylaw 5351 on August 12, 2024, after the Province issued a non-compliance notice. As of August 2026, only 222 of the District's 7,000+ residential parcels are SSMUH-eligible -- the most restrictive implementation in British Columbia. Bill 25 required full expansion across all residential zones by June 30, 2026. The District missed that deadline. Council has since directed staff to prepare compliant amendments, and Amendment Bylaw No. 5446, 2026 goes to Council for first, second, and third readings on September 21, 2026.

Check your West Vancouver address

Where Bill 25 compliance actually stands in West Vancouver

West Vancouver did not meet the Province's June 30, 2026 deadline. Nothing has changed yet on the ground: the 222-parcel scope described below is still the rule today. Here is the sequence, taken from the District's own SSMUH page.

March 30, 2026: Staff presented a Working Approach to Bill 25 compliance. Council received it for information but did not direct staff to prepare Zoning Bylaw amendments.
June 18, 2026: The Minister of Housing wrote to the District stating that compliance is a "legislated requirement" and confirming the Province's authority to issue a zoning override if the District does not comply.
June 23, 2026: At a Special Council Meeting, Council reversed course and directed staff to prepare Zoning Bylaw amendments consistent with the March 30 Working Approach.
June 30, 2026: Provincial deadline passed with no compliant bylaw adopted.
July 20, 2026: Staff brought forward the proposed amendments. Council set first, second, and third readings of Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 5446, 2026 for September 21, 2026.

One procedural note that surprises people: a public hearing on this amendment bylaw is prohibited under the Local Government Act. If you want to be heard, the route is written correspondence to Council, not a hearing.

Source: District of West Vancouver, Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing

West Vancouver's SSMUH Zoning Framework

West Vancouver's SSMUH implementation has been among the most contentious in British Columbia. The parent bylaw is Zoning Bylaw 4662 (2010), which was amended by Bylaw 5351 adopted on August 12, 2024 to achieve minimal compliance with BC's Bill 44 SSMUH legislation.

The amendments affect only 222 of the District's 7,000+ residential parcels -- making West Vancouver the most restrictive SSMUH municipality in BC. Most RS zones (RS1-5, RS7-10) already permitted three dwelling types (single-family home, secondary suite, and coach house) and were therefore not considered "restricted" under the provincial definition. The July 25, 2024 Ministerial Notice identified only zones that lacked all three types as requiring amendment.

Minimal Compliance & Bill 25 Expansion

West Vancouver's path to SSMUH compliance was marked by political resistance. On May 27, 2024, Council unanimously rejected the initial SSMUH amendment (Bylaw 5327). In response, the Province's Minister of Housing issued a 30-day non-compliance notice on July 25, 2024, threatening to impose zoning changes directly.

Council then adopted a narrower amendment (Bylaw 5351) on August 12, 2024, exploiting the technical loophole that most RS zones already allowed three dwelling types. The result: only 222 parcels were rezoned, the smallest SSMUH impact of any Metro Vancouver municipality.

Bill 25 (Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, passed November 27, 2025) closes this loophole. It required West Vancouver to permit the full range of SSMUH housing types (3-6 units depending on lot size and transit proximity) across all residential zones by June 30, 2026. That is a significant expansion from the current 222 eligible parcels to potentially thousands more across the District's 7,000+ residential lots. See the Bill 25 SSMUH Policy Bulletin for details.

Unit Allowances by Lot Size

Lot Size	Location	Max Units
≤ 280 m2	Any SSMUH-affected parcel	3 units
> 280 m2	Outside frequent transit area	4 units
> 280 m2	Near frequent transit	6 units

Source: District of West Vancouver SSMUH Page. Applies to 222 of 7,000+ parcels today. Expansion under Bill 25 is drafted but not yet adopted; readings are set for September 21, 2026.

The 222-Parcel Scope Limitation

The July 25, 2024 Ministerial Notice identified the following zones as falling within the "Restricted Zone" -- those that did not already permit all three of: a principal dwelling, a secondary suite, and a detached accessory dwelling (coach house). The affected zones span comprehensive development, commercial/public assembly, and duplex designations:

Comprehensive Development

CD4, CD41, CD47, CD48, CD49, CD77, CD80, CD81, CD82

Commercial / Public Assembly

CU3, CU5, PA2

Duplex Residential

RD1, RD2, RD3

The vast majority of West Vancouver's residential land sits in RS1 through RS5 and RS7 through RS10 zones, which were not amended because they already permitted three dwelling types. Bill 25 removes that technical distinction, so these zones must also allow the full SSMUH unit counts once Amendment Bylaw No. 5446, 2026 is adopted.

West Vancouver SSMUH Regulation Snapshot

Floor Space Ratio (FSR)

Single-Family zones: 0.35 FSR + 32.5 m2
Duplex RD1/RD2: 0.50 FSR
Duplex RD3: 0.75 FSR

See Zoning Bylaw 4662 for full regulations.

Parking Requirements

SSMUH developments: 2.0 spaces per dwelling unit
Impact: A 4-unit multiplex requires 8 parking spaces, adding significant construction cost

Among the highest parking minimums in Metro Vancouver for SSMUH -- reflects the District's auto-oriented layout and limited transit.

Height & Setbacks

Height: 7.62 m / 2 storeys + basement
Front setback: 7.6 m
Side setbacks: Vary by site width
Lot coverage: 35% (SF) / 40% (duplex)

Coach House Provisions

Max GFA: 148.6 m2 total
FAR exemption: 0.10 or 74.3 m2

Coach houses are a key component of the existing 3-dwelling-type permission in most RS zones.

Exemptions & Special Considerations

Most RS zones (RS1-5, RS7-10) are exempt today because they already permit 3 dwelling types -- Bill 25 removes that exemption once the District adopts its amendment
Hillside lots may face additional geotechnical and environmental constraints
Heritage-designated properties may have additional restrictions on development
West Vancouver's luxury market context means high land values relative to rental returns, and the 2.0 parking spaces per unit requirement adds significant construction cost -- careful pro forma analysis is essential

How VanPlex Supports West Vancouver SSMUH Projects

Concept to Permit

We coordinate architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure your West Vancouver SSMUH project aligns with Bylaw 4662 as amended by Bylaw 5351. Whether your parcel is among the 222 eligible today or you are preparing for the Bill 25 expansion that would open up thousands more of the District's 7,000+ residential lots, we handle the regulatory complexity.

Feasibility Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of your West Vancouver lot's SSMUH potential, including zone classification, current vs. future eligibility under Bill 25, FSR calculations, unit configurations, and pro forma projections tailored to the luxury North Shore market.

Request Your West Vancouver SSMUH Feasibility

Share your West Vancouver address to receive a tailored analysis including your current SSMUH eligibility, unit allowance, FSR, parking provisions, and development pro forma.

Getting Started with West Vancouver SSMUH

Before beginning your West Vancouver SSMUH project, follow these steps:

Confirm your parcel is among the 222 currently SSMUH-affected lots in zones CU3, CU5, CD4, CD41, CD47-49, CD77, CD80-82, PA2, or RD1-3
If your lot is in RS1-5 or RS7-10, watch the September 21, 2026 Council meeting, where Amendment Bylaw No. 5446, 2026 is set for first, second, and third readings and would extend SSMUH to your zone
Review your lot's FSR allowance: 0.35 + 32.5 m2 for SF zones, 0.50 for RD1/RD2, or 0.75 for RD3
Assess site-specific constraints including slope, geotechnical conditions, view corridors, and environmental considerations
Review the District's development regulations for additional requirements

Contact West Vancouver Planning: For zoning questions, email planning@westvancouver.ca or call 604-925-7055, 604-925-7058, or 604-925-7247.

Official West Vancouver SSMUH Resources

West Vancouver SSMUH Page

Official overview of Bylaw 5351, affected zones, and SSMUH regulations

Zoning Bylaw 4662 (2010)

Parent zoning bylaw with all zone regulations and amendments

Development Regulations

Building permits, development permits, and application requirements

Bill 25 -- Housing Statutes Amendment Act

Provincial legislation closing the SSMUH loophole, with a compliance deadline of June 30, 2026

Bill 25 SSMUH Policy Bulletin (PDF)

Provincial policy guidance on expanded SSMUH compliance requirements

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