Through Bill 44, all residential zoned land in all BC municipalities with a population greater than 5,000 people are automatically up-zoned to permit multiple dwelling units of between 3-6 units.  Bill 44 has effectively made single-family residential zoning obsolete.  SSMUH encompasses various forms of ground-oriented housing such as secondary suites, laneway homes, townhomes, rowhouses and multiplexes. 

 

For average lots in Brentwood Park, a minimum of six (6) separate dwelling units are permitted on each lot, and each unit can be stratified and sold to different owners.  Site coverage of 50%-55% is allowed depending on housing typologies.  The Province set out minimum building heights of at least 3 stories.  For properties that are within 400 metres of a transit stop, on-site parking requirements are eliminated, and outside the 400 metres, minimum parking requirements have not been established.

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In April 2024, the City of Burnaby consolidated all residential zoning bylaws into one R1 zone.   City planners went beyond the Provincial guidelines to permit SSMUH of up to 12 metres, or 4 stories above-ground, and reducing front yard setbacks to 3 metres.  Impervious surfaces can make up 70% of the site. This updated zoning bylaw was approved and has been adopted by the City in June 2024.    

 

City of Burnaby SSMUH - R1 - Zone Summary

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The intent of SSMUH is to provide gentle density, to integrate new construction with existing housing stock to maintain cohesiveness and be compatible in scale and form within established single family neighbourhoods.   However, the new parameters established by the City of Burnaby are not compatible in scale.

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The development of 6 individual units that are up to 40 feet tall with little yard setbacks will over-shadow single family homes that are currently limited to 25 feet in height and require a minimum 25 foot front yard setbacks.  Bill 44 will eliminate green space, remove trees, destroy habitats, create shadows on existing homes, and create massive parking issues.