Squamish is growing and so are its housing needs. To support more housing in more places, the District is proposing zoning bylaw changes to allow up to six strata-titled homes on properties within 400 metres walking distance of key transit routes.
This proposed change responds to new provincial legislation (Bill 44), which requires municipalities with more than 5,000 people to permit small-scale, multi-unit housing in zones previously zoned exclusively for single-family and duplex homes. It also advances key actions identified in the Squamish Housing Action Plan (SHAP), endorsed by Council in 2024.
This zoning bylaw amendment is grounded in policy direction, informed by best practices, and designed to proactively manage future growth in Squamish.
According to the District’s Interim 2024 Housing Needs Report, Squamish will require approximately 6,840 new homes by 2031. A large share of this demand is for smaller housing options. This aligns with the District’s commitments under the Squamish Housing Action Plan (SHAP) and Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to increase housing supply and diversity.
This approach creates more small-scale housing choices near transit, supports compact and walkable neighbourhoods, and makes better use of existing infrastructures. It’s proactive step to accommodate future growth and align housing with transportation planning.
Allowing diverse housing helps ensure that people of all ages, incomes, and family types can find a home that fits. More housing options near transit, services, and schools support a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Squamish.
Updating our zoning to accommodate small-scale, multi-unit housing near transit will pro-actively align our regulations with the Province’s Bill 44 legislation to enable these missing middle housing forms.
Locating housing near transit is a key climate action strategy. It reduces car dependency, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and makes more efficient use of existing infrastructure.
The District of Squamish is proposing the zoning bylaw amendment:
Bylaw 3170, 2025 (Six Units Near a Frequent Bus Route)
Zoning changes will apply to R-1 and R-4 properties located within 400 metres walking distance of the future Frequent Transit Network (FTN). The initial FTN is proposed to connect Downtown Squamish, Dentville, North Yards, Garibaldi Estates, and Garibaldi Highlands.
Detailed inset maps of the specific neighbourhoods can be found here.
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Bylaw 3170 proposes to amend the existing Residential 4 (R-4) zone to allow up to six dwelling units and to introduce a new Residential 6 (R-6) zone.
The R-6 zone would apply to properties that are currently zoned Residential 1 (R-1) and are located within 400 metres walking distance of the future FTN and outside of high flood hazard areas.
The R-6 zone is nearly identical to the R-1 zone, with one key difference: it would allow up to six strata titled units on a lot.
For full zoning details, see the comparison table of the proposed R-6 zone and the existing R-1 zone.
Zoning Aspect | Current R-1 | Proposed R-6 |
Number of units | 4 strata units/5 total units, including secondary suite or ADU | 6 strata units/6 total units |
Setbacks Front Rear Interior Side |
3.0m 3.0m 1.2m 3.0m |
3.0m 3.0m 1.2m 3.0m |
Lot Coverage | 33%-50% depending on number of units | 33%-50% depending on number of units |
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | Single Unit – 0.3 w/out suite or ADU, 0.5 w/ suite or ADU Two unit - 0.4 w/out suite or ADU, 0.6 w/suite or ADU Multiple Dwelling Residential 3 units – none Multiple Dwelling Residential 4 units- none | Single Unit – 0.3 w/out suite or ADU, 0.5 w/ suite or ADU Two unit - 0.4 w/out suite or ADU, 0.6 w/suite or ADU Multiple Dwelling Residential 3 units – none Multiple Dwelling Residential 4 units- none Multiple Dwelling Residential 4 – 6 units – none |
Parking | Single Unit Dwelling – 2 spaces Two Unit Dwelling – 2 spaces Multiple Dwelling Residential 3+ units – 1 space/dwelling | Single Unit Dwelling – 2 spaces Two Unit Dwelling – 2 spaces Multiple Dwelling Residential 3+ units – 1 space/dwelling |
The R-4 zone is proposed to be updated to allow up to six strata titled units per lot. Currently, this zones allows up to four units, with a fifth permitted if it was a secondary suite, accessory dwelling unit, or multi-unit flex unit.
All properties currently zoned R-4 are within 400 metres walking distance of the future FTN alignment. This zone will remain in place for these properties because they are located in secondary floodways, where larger building setbacks are required.
Table 2 below compares the main aspects of the current R-4 zone with the proposed updated zone.
Zoning Aspect | Current R-4 | Proposed R-4 |
Number of units | 4 strata units/5 total units, including secondary suite or ADU | 6 strata units/6 total units |
Setbacks Front Rear Interior Side |
7.6m 3.0m 1.2m 4.6m |
7.6m 3.0m 1.2m 4.6m |
Lot Coverage | 33%-50% depending on number of units | 33%-50% depending on number of units |
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | Single unit – 0.3 w/out suite or ADU, 0.5 w/ suite or ADU Two unit - 0.4 w/out suite or ADU, 0.6 w/suite or ADU Multiple Dwelling Residential 3 units – none Multiple Dwelling Residential 4 units- none | Single unit – 0.3 w/out suite or ADU, 0.5 w/ suite or ADU Two unit - 0.4 w/out suite or ADU, 0.6 w/suite or ADU Multiple Dwelling Residential 3 units – none Multiple Dwelling Residential 4 units- none Multiple Dwelling Residential 4 – 6 units - none |
Parking | Single Unit Dwelling – 2 spaces Two Unit Dwelling – 2 spaces Multiple Dwelling Residential 3+ units – 1 space/dwelling | Single Unit Dwelling – 2 spaces Two Unit Dwelling – 2 spaces Multiple Dwelling Residential 3+ units – 1 space/dwelling |
A public open house event will be scheduled following the Committee of the Whole meeting on July 8 and prior to bringing the bylaw amendments to Council for consideration of reading.
A 6-plex is a small-scale residential building that includes six homes on a single lot. These can take various forms (houseplex, row housing, cottage cluster, etc.) with the goal to create more housing options that still fit within the neighbourhood.
This is part of a province-wide shift. The BC government passed new legislation (Bill 44) requiring municipalities to update their zoning to allow small-scale multi-unit housing on lots near frequent transit.
The Squamish Housing Action Plan (SHAP), endorsed in 2024, outlines 32 actions to address housing by increasing supply, streamlining approvals, and expanding affordable options. This plan aligns closely with Bill 44, which mandates municipalities to update zoning to allow small-scale, multi-unit housing. Squamish is taking a proactive approach, one that balances growth with livability, and policy with action.
If you live close to the future frequent transit route your neighbourhood may now allow more housing types such as 6-plexes depending on the proximity of your lot to the bus route.
No. These changes to the zoning will allow for up to six units, but it’s up to the property owners to decide whether they choose to redevelop. Many lots will remain as-is for years or decades to come, particularly if the homes on the lots are in good condition. The zoning creates opportunity for new homes to be added, and is not a requirement to build.
A strata titled home refers to a type of property ownership where individuals own their specific unit but share ownership of commons areas such as driveways, landscaping, or roofs.
The District is working to ensure infrastructure planning keeps pace with housing growth. Redevelopment may also trigger utility and road upgrades, and long-term planning support investment in transit, parks, and active transportation.
Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) are an example of a broader effort to ensure growth is sustainable, reduce reliance on taxpayers, and make sure new development contributes it's fair share to infrastructure and community amenities.
The Frequent Transit Network is the core bus route in Squamish where transit service will runs at least every 15 minutes during key times of a day. For more information on Squamish’s future FTN plans, see the June 24, 2025, Report to Council presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Increasing housing supply helps improve housing availability across the community. By allowing more duplexes, townhomes, and six-plexes, this will help improve affordability over time. This is called the trickle-down effect.
Even if some new homes are priced at market rate, they free up older or smaller homes for others, which helps create more options at different price points.
We want to make transit more effective, we need to plan for growth before it happens. By allowing more housing types in currently low-density areas near the future Frequent Transit Network, we’re creating the conditions for better transit in the future. Rezoning now means we’re thinking ahead so that as Squamish grows, the infrastructure and services are ready to grow with it.
| Phone | 604-892-5217 |
|---|---|
| communications@squamish.ca | |
| Website | www.squamish.ca |
