What is SSMUH and what did Bill 44 change?

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) is a BC Provincial policy enacted through Bill 44 (the Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2023). It overrides local single-family zoning in most urban municipalities across BC, requiring cities and districts to permit 3 to 6 residential units on lots that previously allowed only one or two. The number of units permitted depends on your lot size and proximity to frequent transit. The result is that millions of BC properties now have significant densification potential without any rezoning application.

How many units can I build on my lot under SSMUH?

The unit allowance under SSMUH depends on two key factors: lot size and transit proximity.• 3 units are permitted on most lots that previously allowed a single-family home.• 4 units are permitted on lots of 280 m² (approximately 3,000 sq ft) or larger.• 6 units are permitted on lots of 280 m² or larger that are located within 400 metres of a frequent transit stop.Our Multi-Unit Density Assessment will confirm exactly which category your property falls into — for free — before you commit to any design work.

Does my property qualify for SSMUH densification?

SSMUH applies to properties in BC communities with a population of 5,000 or more that are currently zoned for single-family or duplex residential use. This covers the vast majority of residential lots in the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, and surrounding municipalities. However, some properties may have site-specific constraints — such as steep slopes, riparian setbacks, heritage designations, or servicing limitations — that affect what can realistically be approved. Our free Density Assessment identifies any such constraints upfront.

Do multi-unit SSMUH projects require off-street parking?

Under SSMUH, municipalities cannot require off-street parking for projects on properties located within 400 metres of a bus stop with frequent bus service or within 800 metres of a rapid transit station. For properties outside these transit catchments, standard municipal parking requirements may still apply, though many cities have reduced or waived minimums for small-scale multi-unit projects. Removing a required parking stall can free up significant site area for additional building footprint — often the difference between a viable and a non-viable density project. We evaluate your site's transit proximity as part of every assessment.

What are the FSR and lot coverage rules for SSMUH buildings?

Floor Space Ratio (FSR) and Lot Coverage limits for SSMUH projects vary by municipality, but BC's legislation sets minimum standards that cities must accommodate. In general, municipalities must allow at least 1.0 FSR and cannot impose lot coverage limits below 40% for SSMUH projects. Some cities apply more generous standards. Understanding these numbers is critical to determining the yield of your project — our Density Assessment calculates exactly how much buildable square footage your site supports before any design work begins.

Do I need an Architect for a SSMUH multi-unit project?

For most SSMUH projects involving 3 to 4 units, an Architect is not required under the AIBC's reserved practice rules — a certified Building Technician like Canadian Blueprint can prepare and seal the drawings. For projects involving 5 or more dwelling units, an Architect is required under AIBC guidelines. If your project reaches that threshold, we can refer you to trusted architectural partners we work with regularly and continue to manage the technical drawings. We are transparent about this threshold from day one so there are no surprises in your budget.

How long does it take to get a SSMUH multi-unit permit approved?

SSMUH projects benefit from as-of-right zoning, meaning no rezoning or public hearing is required — municipalities must process them as standard building permit applications. Typical timelines range from 6 to 16 weeks after a complete application is submitted, depending on the municipality and project complexity. Vancouver and Surrey tend to process faster than smaller municipalities. Our team submits complete, code-compliant packages the first time to avoid revision cycles that add weeks to your timeline.

What is the first step to get started with my SSMUH project?

The best first step is to request a FREE Multi-Unit Density Assessment from us. Provide your property address and we will analyze your lot size, transit proximity, zoning status, and any site constraints. Within 2-4 business days, you will know your unit count ceiling, rough FSR and lot coverage potential, whether parking is required, and what professional consultants your project will need. This gives you the information to make a confident investment decision before committing to design fees.

BC Multi-Unit Housing
(SSMUH) Design

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SSMUH Design & Permit Services

Single-family zoning has fundamentally changed in BC. Under the Province's Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation (Bill 44), most residential lots in urban municipalities now allow 3, 4, or 6 units as-of-right. We provide the technical expertise to navigate these new Provincial mandates — from initial density assessment to permit-ready multiplex drawings — so you can convert your property's zoning opportunity into a real return on investment.

Our Featured Multi-Unit & New Build Projects

Explore completed multi-family and new build projects from our portfolio. Each project showcases our ability to maximize density, meet BC Building Code requirements, and produce construction-ready drawings for complex residential builds.

About Us

Since 2015, we've been designing code-compliant residential buildings across British Columbia. With the arrival of BC's SSMUH legislation, we've expanded our focus to help investors, legacy homeowners, and developers take full advantage of the new multi-unit rules.

We understand that a multiplex project is an investment decision first and a design decision second. That's why every engagement starts with a Density Assessment — so you know your unit count, your FSR, and your project's financial viability before you commit to a single drawing. From there, we carry you through to approved permit drawings with the same precision and communication we've built our reputation on.

500+

Permits
Approved

100%

Code
Compliance

Google
Rating

10+

Years
Experience

Edward Vega

Certified Technician

"Bill 44 didn't just change zoning — it changed the math for property owners across BC. Our job is to make sure you understand your lot's full yield and get the permit drawings that unlock it."

500+

Permits
Approved

Google
Rating

10+

Years
Experience

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about SSMUH legislation, Bill 44, multiplex design, and the multi-unit permit process in BC.

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BC Multi-Unit Housing(SSMUH) Design

SSMUH Design & Permit Services

Our Featured Multi-Unit & New Build Projects

About Us

Edward Vega

What Our Clients Say

Contact Form

Request a Quote

Contact Information

Phone

Email

Business Hours

Home OfficeBy Appointment Only

Areas We Serve

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BC Multi-Unit Housing
(SSMUH) Design

Home Office
By Appointment Only