Correspondence from Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs regarding SSMUH

October 9, 2025 Reference: 188648

Mayors of British Columbia

Dear Mayors:

Today, I introduced new legislation in the house to improve the implementation of small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH). Before I explain the details of this legislation, I want to acknowledge the hard work of local government Councils, Boards and staff in B.C. to implement the changes by adopting the SSMUH densities on time and as intended by the Province. Many communities are demonstrating leadership and innovation to fully enable SSMUH and deliver the type of homes that work for people and growing families.

This includes modernizing zoning bylaws and updating site standards (such as removing floor space ratios, increasing building heights and lot coverage for SSMUH level densities), as well as adopting and streamlining standardized housing designs, eliminating or waiving form and character development permit requirements, and providing educational tools to support SSMUH development including webinars, handbooks and webpages. Communities that fully enabled SSMUH, adopted many of the recommended site standards, and are actively supporting this type of development are starting to see meaningful uptake. This means more homes built in existing communities throughout B.C. that more people and families can afford.

Since June 30, 2024, a review of implementation has highlighted that barriers to the development of SSMUH still exist in a few communities throughout B.C. This inconsistency and barriers in some communities are creating challenging conditions for development and limiting SSMUH from being viable and getting built. Specifically, a small number of local governments have not fully enabled SSMUH in all areas with single-family and duplex housing due to differing interpretations of the requirements.

The legislation that was introduced today is intended to address these inconsistencies and ensure that all communities offer viable and consistent conditions for SSMUH development.

If passed, the changes will remove barriers to create consistent conditions across the Province for SSMUH by ensuring that municipalities allow the three to six units in all zones:

• with parcels restricted to single-family and duplex housing, even if higher residential density is allowed elsewhere in the zone,
• restricted to single detached homes with a secondary suite and an accessory dwelling unit.

The small number of communities impacted by these changes will need to comply by June 30, 2026. An extension process will be established for upgrading infrastructure, lack of sufficient infrastructure to support additional residential density, and for extraordinary circumstances.

The updates aim to create uniform development opportunities across local governments, reducing barriers and uncertainty for builders and homeowners. Your planning staff will need to review your zoning bylaws for compliance with the new requirements. If the zoning bylaw already meets the requirements, no action is required.

I have also introduced changes to the legislation to ensure there is clear authority to establish site standards in regulations for off-street parking requirements, and housing unit “form” and “density”. However, I am not bringing forward any regulations at this time. I strongly encourage all local governments to align with the Provincial Policy Manual and Site Standards, which provides clear expectations for zoning amendments, site design, and development feasibility. The Province will continue to monitor implementation and uptake of SSMUH to ensure consistency and effectiveness across jurisdictions. If needed in the future, the Province may make regulations for minimum standards or introduce further legislation as needed.

I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to all local governments for your hard work to enable and facilitate housing development across British Columbia. Your work is beginning to show results, and together, we are making meaningful progress toward resolving the housing crisis. I look forward to working collaboratively with all of you to continue improving livability for residents.

Sincerely,

Christine Boyle Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs

Link: BC Gov News

CC: Chief Administrative Officers and City Managers