The District of Squamish is reviewing how co-living housing can be defined and regulated in the Zoning Bylaw.

As Squamish continues to grow, interest has increased in co-living as an emerging housing form. While co-living is not a new concept, it has been emerging in the community. Co-living developments typically consist of multiple private sleeping units within a shared dwelling, supported by common kitchens, living areas, and amenities. This shared dwelling model is designed to accommodate multiple residents while providing both private space and communal facilities.

At present, the Zoning Bylaw does not include a definition or specific regulations for co-living. As a result, proposals are generally assessed as single unit dwellings. This has raised questions regarding appropriate occupancy levels, parking provisions, servicing capacity, and livability.

On March 18, 2025, Council received a public delegation requesting greater clarity and regulation of co-living within the Zoning Bylaw. In response, Council passed the following motion.

THAT the definitions of “Co-Housing/Co-Living” and “Rooming House” be brought forward in a forthcoming zoning bylaw amendment.

This project responds directly to that direction and aims to provide clear expectations for residents, neighbours, property owners, and developers.

The District is proposing to introduce a clear definition of co-living into the Zoning Bylaw, along with regulatory framework that establishes where and how housing forms may be permitted. The intent is to clarify how co-living is treated under local land use regulations and provide greater certainty for applicants, District staff, and residents.

In addition to defining the use, staff are considering appropriate locations for co-living. Staff are recommending that co-living be permitted in the Residential 1 (R-1), Residential 4 (R-4) and Residential 5 (R-5) zones because these zones are not subject to hazard-related conditional densification policies in the Official Community Plan. This ensures alignment with existing policies by limiting residential intensity in areas exposed to higher flood hazards.

It is proposed that where permitted, co-living would be subject to the conditions such as:

• Maximum number of private sleeping units per dwelling
• Minimum shared internal amenity space
• Minimum and maximum parking requirements
• Bicycle parking requirements
• Shared waste storage area requirements
• Business licence requirements

These measures are intended to help manage occupancy, supporting livability for residents, and address neighbourhood considerations such as parking and servicing.

The proposed direction is informed by Council direction and land use considerations.

Applicable Policy	Description
Strategic Plan objective 2.2	Increase the diversity of housing forms and tenure types year over year to promote affordable housing and attainable housing for people living in Squamish.
OCP objective 12.1	a. Provide a range of mix of housing options for residents of all ages, incomes and abilities. b. Achieve a diverse and inclusive mix of housing forms, unit types and sizes, tenures, and price options within each development and neighbourhood.
OCP objective 12.5	Support residential infill that contributes to complete, compact and livable neighbourhoods that maximize efficient use of municipal transportation systems and infrastructure.
OCP objective 12.11	Provide alternatives to home ownership and expand the inventory of affordable rental units*

*While co-living developments are not secured as affordable housing, their smaller private units and shared amenities typically result in lower rental costs compared to other market housing options.

Following the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 24, the District will conduct a short online survey that will include specific questions to gather community input on key considerations. Details on how to participate, including timelines and survey links, will be posted after the Committee meeting.

That input will help inform a draft Zoning Bylaw Amendment, which will be presented to Council for consideration. Project updates and materials will continue to be posted on this page as the work progresses.