# Multiplex, Suite & Laneway Rules: Tri-Cities 2026 > What you can build on a Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam or Port Moody lot in 2026: unit limits, suites, laneway homes, permits, charges and title limits. **Source:** https://soldbycraig.ca/multiplex-and-suite-rules-tri-cities/ **Author:** Craig Johnston, REALTOR® (BC Licence V99960) · Royal LePage Elite West **Site:** https://soldbycraig.ca --- Tri-Cities · Zoning, suites & multiplexes # Multiplex, Suite & Laneway Rules in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody (2026) What you can add or build on a typical single-detached lot in each Tri-Cities city, where each city is still updating its rules, and the costs and title issues that decide whether “permitted” ever becomes a project. Every city rule below was checked against that city’s own pages on October 17, 2026. [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Call Craig — 604-202-6092](tel:+16042026092) [★★★★★ 5.0 across 36+ Google reviews · Top 1% Team — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, 2023–2025 · 47+ years in the Tri-Cities](/reviews/) Quick Answer What can I build on a single-detached lot in the Tri-Cities? Under the Province’s small-scale, multi-unit housing rules, most single-detached lots in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody are now zoned for up to three units (lots of 280 m² or less) or four units (larger lots up to 4,050 m²), built as some mix of houses, secondary suites, laneway or garden homes and small multiplexes. Port Coquitlam and Port Moody also allow up to six units on qualifying lots within 400 m of a frequent bus stop; Coquitlam says none of its stops currently qualify. Lots inside Transit-Oriented Areas, lots over 4,050 m² and titles with a valid building scheme are treated differently. “Permitted” is not “buildable”: development and building permits, servicing upgrades, charges and title restrictions still apply, so check the exact address before you pay for potential. **Craig Johnston, Top 1% Team — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, 2023–2025** and 47+ year Tri-Cities resident, can walk you through how this affects a specific home. A free strategy call ends with a written one-page plan within 24 hours. The provincial baseline ## The provincial rules every Tri-Cities city has to follow. In late 2023 the Province passed the *Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act* — usually called Bill 44 — and required municipalities to update their zoning for small-scale, multi-unit housing (SSMUH) by June 30, 2024. In 2025 it followed with Bill 25, the *Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025*, which received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025. Bill 25 widened what counts as a “restricted zone” (any zone with a lot restricted to a single detached home and/or duplex now has to meet the minimums on all its lots) and gave local governments until June 30, 2026 to bring their bylaws into line, unless an extension was granted. The reference document cities work from is the Province’s *Provincial Policy Manual and Site Standards: Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing*, currently Revision 5, dated January 20, 2026. Here is the baseline it sets. ### Three units on small lots Lots of 280 m² (about 3,014 sq ft) or smaller in restricted single-family or duplex zones must allow at least three housing units. ### Four units on larger lots Lots over 280 m² must allow at least four units, unless the zone already allowed three or more. Parcels larger than 4,050 m² (about one acre) are exempt from the minimums. ### Six units near frequent buses Lots over 280 m² within 400 m of a prescribed bus stop must allow six units. A stop qualifies if at least one route stops every 15 minutes on average, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekends. Cities cannot require off-street residential parking for the units needed to reach six. ### What is exempt Lots not connected to both a municipal water and sewer system, parcels over 4,050 m², land inside a designated Transit-Oriented Area, certain protected heritage properties, and hazardous lands where a qualified professional certifies the added risk can’t practically be mitigated. ### Permits still apply The manual says development permits can still be required, and SSMUH units must be built to the BC Building Code for the type of building. Cities also cannot use servicing requirements to block the permitted density. ### Building schemes can win Existing section 219 covenants are not affected, and a valid statutory building scheme that limits a property to one dwelling takes precedence over the new zoning densities. City by city ## What a typical single-detached lot allows today. I checked each city’s own housing, zoning and permit pages on **October 17, 2026**. Zoning is amended often, and each city words things differently, so treat this as your starting point and confirm the exact address with the city before you rely on it. ### Coquitlam **Status:** Council adopted the small-scale zoning changes on June 9, 2025 (after the Province extended Coquitlam’s deadline to June 30, 2025) and further amendments on June 23, 2025. A set of small-scale text amendments, Bylaw No. 5547, 2026, went to Council on June 22, 2026. Read the current consolidated Zoning Bylaw, not an older summary. - **Zones.** Most former single-family lots now sit in one of four small-scale zones: R-1 Small-Scale Residential, R-2 Compact Small-Scale Residential, R-3 Transitional Small-Scale Residential and R-4 Intensive Small-Scale Residential. - **Units.** Up to 3 units on lots of 280 m² or less, and up to 4 on lots over 280 m² and under 4,050 m². Lots of 4,050 m² or more get one principal unit plus one accessory unit. In R-3 the mix is two principal units plus one suite (small lots) or two suites (larger lots). - **Housing types.** The City lists secondary suites, garden cottages, carriage houses, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and multiplexes as small-scale housing types. - **Frequent transit.** The City says Coquitlam currently has no bus stops that meet the provincial frequent-service test, so the six-unit rule does not apply here right now. - **Selling units separately.** Secondary suites and accessory dwelling units cannot be stratified or subdivided. Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and multiplexes can be. Adding stratified units while keeping the existing house requires a Strata Title Conversion application. - **Parking.** The City’s small-scale summary guide sets parking per unit by size: 1 space under 850 sq ft, 1.5 (rounded up) from 850 to 1,700 sq ft, and 2 spaces over 1,700 sq ft, with tandem allowed for the two spaces of one unit. - **Process.** Rezoning is usually unnecessary. Most projects need a development permit, then a building permit; projects consistent with the Official Community Plan don’t need a public hearing. - **Talk to the City first if** the house was built before 1945, a creek or steep slope is on or next to the lot, or the property is in a Transit-Oriented Area or another planning study area. - **Still changing.** Bylaw No. 5547 adjusts R-1 to R-3 setbacks and building separation, floor-area and lot-coverage exemptions, storage, retaining-wall and waste rules. The R-4 zone is under review in a Townhouse and Rowhouse Review. - **Where to check.** Look up zoning on [QtheMap](https://www.coquitlam.ca/701/City-Maps), read the City’s [Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing page](https://www.coquitlam.ca/1361/Small-Scale-Multi-Unit-Housing-in-Coquit), and ask Development Services at devinfo@coquitlam.ca or 604-927-3430. ### Port Coquitlam **Status:** SSMUH is permitted on lots zoned RS1 to RS4 (the City’s staff report is dated May 28, 2024). The City pages I checked do not say whether further Bill 25 changes have been made, so confirm with Planning before you count on a unit number. - **Units.** 3 units on lots of 280 m² or smaller, 4 on larger lots, and 6 on lots over 280 m² within 400 m of frequent bus service, which the City says is generally along Lougheed Highway. - **Transit-Oriented Areas.** SSMUH is not permitted on RS lots inside a designated Transit-Oriented Area. The City’s provincial-legislation page lists TOAs tied to Coquitlam Central and Lincoln SkyTrain stations and to Port Coquitlam (West Coast Express) Station. - **Permit.** New duplexes, projects with three or more dwellings, and accessory dwelling units need a Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Development Permit before a building permit is issued. - **Laneway, garden and coach homes (ADUs).** Allowed on RS1–RS4 lots that don’t contain a duplex or triplex. Maximum 90 m² (968 sq ft), two storeys, 8.5 m to the peak with a 9:12 or steeper roof (7.5 m otherwise), at least 6 m from the main house, 1.2 m interior side and rear setbacks and 2.4 m on an exterior side. One independently accessible parking space, 15 m² of private outdoor space, at least two trees on the lot, and sprinklers. - **Fire access.** A paved 1 m path from the ADU entrance to the street, no more than 45 m of travel to a road or lane a fire truck can reach, and a hydrant within 90 m. On some lots this test, not zoning, is what rules a laneway home out. - **Renting and selling.** ADUs can be rented but cannot be strata subdivided, and an ADU cannot contain its own secondary suite. - **Secondary suites.** Permitted in RS-1 to RS-4 zones with a building permit. The City notes the permit fee doubles if work starts before a permit is issued. - **Covenants.** Restrictive covenants that prohibit suites or accessory dwellings must be discharged at the Land Title Office before you build. - **Where to check.** Find zoning and floodplain information on [PoCoMap](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/pocomap), then read the City’s [small-scale multi-unit housing page](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/node/5356) and [accessory dwelling unit page](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/development-permits/accessory-dwelling-units). Planning: 604-927-5442. ### Port Moody **Status:** Initial SSMUH zoning was adopted June 25, 2024, followed by further amendment bylaws in 2025 (No. 3506, and No. 3523, which adds several comprehensive development zones). The City’s SSMUH page was last updated July 2025, so confirm the current bylaw for your zone. - **Eligible lots.** RS1, RS1-S, RS2, RS3, RS5 to RS9 and RT lots shown on the City’s SSMUH Areas map. Lots over 4,050 m² and lots inside Transit-Oriented Areas are not eligible. - **Units.** 3 on lots of 280 m² or less; 4 on lots over 280 m² up to 4,050 m²; 6 on those larger lots when they are within 400 m of frequent bus service. - **Housing types.** The City’s guide shows a house with a suite and a laneway home, duplexes up to six-plexes, and combinations such as two houses or a duplex plus a house. Lane access is not required. - **Suites.** Secondary suites count toward the lot’s unit total, each principal unit can have only one, and suites cannot be stratified. Projects with two or more principal units can be stratified; existing buildings need code upgrades and City approval first. - **Permit.** SSMUH is a conditional use: a Form and Character Development Permit comes before the building permit. Environmentally sensitive area and hazardous-lands permits can also apply. The City’s guide suggests initial comments in four to six weeks for a complete, simple development permit and eight weeks for the building permit; treat both as targets, not commitments. - **Parking.** Required stalls depend on unit count, distance to a frequent bus stop and the class of road the lot is accessed from (Zoning Bylaw section 6.3). Near frequent transit, minimum parking requirements are removed. - **Building schemes.** If a building scheme is registered on title, the City cannot process an SSMUH application until a court order discharges it. - **Where to check.** Click the parcel on the City’s [Provincial Housing Statutes online map](https://portmoody.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=fb6cc3dbf3c8491ba526d980294f0300) (separate from the City’s Viewport map), read the [SSMUH page](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/housing/provincial-housing-legislation/small-scale-multi-unit-housing-ssmuh/), and contact planning@portmoody.ca or 604.469.4540. For the city-wide context behind these rules, see my [Coquitlam](/coquitlam/), [Port Coquitlam](/port-coquitlam/) and [Port Moody](/port-moody/) guides. Read the fine print ## What “permitted” does not mean. A zone that allows four units tells you the ceiling, not what your lot will actually support. These are the issues that most often shrink or stop a project after the zoning looks promising. ### You still need permits Expect a development permit for most multi-unit projects, then a building permit. Coquitlam’s guide notes BC Building Code separation distances between buildings can be stricter than the zoning setbacks. ### Servicing can be the big bill New units may need new service lines, separate metering, or water, sanitary or electrical upgrades. Port Coquitlam’s worked example of offsite works on a single lot totals more than $100,000, before natural gas. ### Fire access and fire flow Coquitlam requires a Small-Scale Residential Fire Flow Requirements Form with the building permit. Port Coquitlam sets path, travel-distance and hydrant limits for laneway homes. ### Density caps the floor area Floor area ratio, lot coverage, height and setbacks limit the total square footage. Four units on a lot does not mean four large units. ### Lot area and shape Unit counts are tied to lot area, so confirm it from a survey or the title plan, not a listing. Narrow, irregular or steep lots may not fit the buildings the zone allows. ### Trees, creeks and slopes Port Coquitlam may require an arborist report and tree-cutting permit, and a watercourse permit within 15 m of a watercourse. Port Moody points watercourse lots to a Qualified Environmental Professional. ### Floodplain limits Port Coquitlam does not permit habitable rooms below the flood construction level in the floodplain. Check the floodplain layer on PoCoMap before you plan a basement suite. ### Older houses Coquitlam flags that homes built before 1990 may need an asbestos assessment before renovation, and asks owners of pre-1945 houses to contact the City before applying. Costs, in general terms ## Development cost charges, amenity cost charges and the other bills. **Development cost charges (DCCs)** are one-time charges a city collects when you add units, to pay for growth-related infrastructure such as water, sewer, drainage, roads and parks. **Amenity cost charges (ACCs)** are a newer tool the Province created in 2023 so cities can collect for amenities such as community centres and libraries. On top of the city’s own charges, Metro Vancouver, TransLink and School District 43 charges can apply when units are added. How each city treats small projects differs: - **Coquitlam** says DCCs apply to all new small-scale multi-unit development, with Metro Vancouver, TransLink and SD43 charges when you add units and ACCs possibly applying. Its ACC Bylaw took effect July 7, 2025; the City’s public guide says an ACC does not apply to an accessory dwelling unit built inside the footprint of a single-detached house that existed on that date. - **Port Coquitlam** says its DCCs are not applied to new secondary suites or accessory buildings, while all new SSMUH units are subject to offsite servicing costs. Its Amenity Cost Charge Bylaw, 2026, No. 4449 was adopted June 29, 2026, and defines a dwelling unit as excluding secondary suites and accessory dwelling units. - **Port Moody** says DCCs apply to SSMUH projects, and its July 2025 guide said an ACC system was being prepared and would apply once in place. Securities for servicing, frontage works and landscaping may also be required. Add permit fees, securities and consultants — Port Moody’s guide lists a civil engineer for both permits, plus architects, structural and geotechnical engineers, an energy advisor and an arborist depending on the project. I don’t quote totals here because they depend on the lot, the number of units and the rate bylaws in force when you apply. Get the current figures from the city and a written estimate from a designer before you price a lot as a multiplex site. Title and strata ## Restrictions on title that zoning doesn’t erase. The new zoning changes what the city allows. It does not clean up the title. Three things to check: - **Restrictive covenants (section 219).** The Province’s manual says existing covenants are not affected. Port Coquitlam says covenants that prohibit suites or accessory dwellings must be discharged with the Land Title Office before you build. - **Building schemes.** A valid building scheme limiting a lot to one dwelling takes precedence over the new densities. Port Moody says it cannot process an SSMUH application on such a lot until a court order discharges the scheme, and advises owners to get legal advice first. - **Strata lots, easements and rights-of-way.** If the home is itself a strata lot, including a bare-land strata, the strata plan and the strata corporation’s bylaws also govern what you can do. Registered easements and statutory rights-of-way can limit where a building can go. You can order a current title and copies of the registered charges through the [Land Title and Survey Authority](https://ltsa.ca/). If added units are part of why you are buying, make the offer subject to a lawyer reviewing the title and charges. Due diligence ## How to check a specific address. - **Find the zone.** Look the address up on [QtheMap](https://www.coquitlam.ca/701/City-Maps) (Coquitlam), [PoCoMap](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/pocomap) (Port Coquitlam) or Port Moody’s [Provincial Housing Statutes map](https://portmoody.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=fb6cc3dbf3c8491ba526d980294f0300), then read that zone in the current zoning bylaw. - **Confirm the lot area.** The 280 m² and 4,050 m² thresholds decide the unit count, so use a survey or the registered plan. - **Check transit and planning areas.** Is the lot inside a Transit-Oriented Area (different rules) or within 400 m of a qualifying frequent bus stop (possibly six units)? In Coquitlam, also ask whether it falls in a planning study area. - **Pull the title.** Look for covenants, a building scheme, easements and rights-of-way, and whether the property is a strata lot. - **Walk the site constraints.** Lane access, trees, creeks, slopes, floodplain, the distance to a hydrant and the existing services all matter. - **Ask the city in writing.** Email the planning desk with the address and what you want to build. Coquitlam offers an optional enquiry meeting and a pre-application step; Port Moody recommends a pre-application. Buying a home with a suite ## Legal suites, unauthorized suites, and what to ask for. A “mortgage helper” in a listing tells you there is a second kitchen. It does not tell you the suite was permitted. Coquitlam’s FAQ is blunt: all secondary suites require building permits to be legal, and a homeowner found with an illegal suite will be required to legalize or remove it, with fines possible. Port Coquitlam’s permit fee doubles if work started before a permit was issued. Before you rely on suite income, ask for: - **The building permit and final inspection records** for the suite, and confirm them with the city. In Coquitlam you can ask the Building Division about past permits at permits@coquitlam.ca. - **The utility bill.** Coquitlam’s FAQ says homes with an authorized suite pay the standard utility charge plus a 40% surcharge, and homes with an unauthorized suite pay a 100% surcharge. That tells you how the City has classified the suite, not whether it meets code today. - **A look at the items cities check:** the suite entrance, bedroom window sizes, fire and sound separation, separate heating, and interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (all listed in Coquitlam’s FAQ). - **The tenancy details** if someone lives there now: the tenancy agreement, rent and deposit records. - **Your insurer’s and lender’s view.** Ask how they will treat the suite and its rent before you remove subjects. I cover suite layouts, rent-offset math and what to inspect in more depth on [Suite-Friendly Homes in Coquitlam](/suite-friendly-homes-coquitlam/), and owner-occupier strategies on [House Hacking in Coquitlam](/house-hacking-coquitlam-strategies/). Resale value ## How the new rules affect what a home is worth. Multiplex zoning gives a lot options. It does not automatically make the lot worth more, because buyers pay for what is realistically buildable, financeable and sellable — and the costs above can eat the upside on the wrong lot. In practice, the things that make added-unit potential credible to a buyer are concrete: a documented lot area, lane access, flat ground, services that don’t need major upgrades, no title restriction, and a city that has confirmed in writing what it will accept. A legal, permitted suite with records is a different asset from a basement that was finished without permits. When I price a home, I start from comparable sales and then look at whether its suite or added-unit potential is documented and practical. If you are selling a lot that suits a laneway home or a small multiplex, the strongest step is to gather the evidence — survey, title search, zoning summary, any city correspondence — before you list. If you’re weighing a sale, a [20-minute home-evaluation (Equity Map) call](/home-evaluation/) is the place to start. If you are looking at combining lots rather than adding units to one, see [land assembly in the Tri-Cities](/land-assembly-tri-cities/). For income-property math, see the [Coquitlam Investment Property Guide](/coquitlam-investment-property-guide/) and [Multi-Family Investing in Coquitlam](/multifamily-investing-coquitlam/). Keep reading ## Related guides. [Suite-Friendly Homes in Coquitlam What makes a suite legal and what to check before you buy](/suite-friendly-homes-coquitlam/) [House Hacking in Coquitlam Living in one unit, renting the other](/house-hacking-coquitlam-strategies/) [Multi-Family Investing in Coquitlam Duplexes, multiplexes and rental math](/multifamily-investing-coquitlam/) [Coquitlam Investment Property Guide How investors approach the Tri-Cities](/coquitlam-investment-property-guide/) [Land Assembly in the Tri-Cities Selling or buying lots together](/land-assembly-tri-cities/) [Free Home Evaluation A 20-minute Equity Map call](/home-evaluation/) Sources & methodology ## How this page was checked. Every rule on this page comes from the Province of B.C. or from the City of Coquitlam, City of Port Coquitlam or City of Port Moody, checked on October 17, 2026. Where a city page did not answer a question, I say so rather than fill the gap. This is general information, not legal, planning or tax advice; zoning bylaws, charges and transit service change, and the city’s current bylaw always governs. - Province of B.C., [Small-scale, multi-unit housing](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/local-governments-and-housing/housing-initiatives/smale-scale-multi-unit-housing), the [Provincial Policy Manual and Site Standards](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/tools-for-government/local-governments-and-housing/ssmuh_provincial_policy_manual.pdf) (Revision 5, January 20, 2026) and the [Bill 25 SSMUH policy bulletin](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/tools-for-government/local-governments-and-housing/bill_25_ssmuh_policy_bulletin.pdf) (November 28, 2025). - City of Coquitlam, [Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing](https://www.coquitlam.ca/1361/Small-Scale-Multi-Unit-Housing-in-Coquit), its [summary guide](https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/15337), [guide to adding units](https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/15314), [small-scale housing FAQ](https://www.coquitlam.ca/Faq.aspx?TID=106), [secondary suite FAQ](https://www.coquitlam.ca/m/faq?cat=33), [Bylaw No. 5547 notice](https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/17531) (June 11, 2026) and [Amenity Cost Charges public guide](https://coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/16154/Amenity-Cost-Charges-Public-Guide-PDF). - City of Port Coquitlam, [small-scale multi-unit housing](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/node/5356), [accessory dwelling units](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/development-permits/accessory-dwelling-units), [SSMUH development permits](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/development-permits/small-scale-multi-unit), [secondary suites](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/secondary-suites), [new provincial housing legislation](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/housing/new-provincial-housing-legislation) and [Amenity Cost Charge Bylaw No. 4449](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2026-07/4449%20-%20Amenity%20Cost%20Charge%20Bylaw.pdf). - City of Port Moody, [Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/housing/provincial-housing-legislation/small-scale-multi-unit-housing-ssmuh/), [A Guide to SSMUH](https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/get?docnumber=658284) (Version 1.0, July 4, 2025), [secondary suites](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/housing/secondary-suites/), and public notices for [Bylaw No. 3506](https://www.portmoody.ca/news-and-notices/posts/notice-of-1st-2nd-and-3rd-reading-for-zoning-amendment-bylaw-no-3506-ssmuh-apr-8-2025/) and [Bylaw No. 3523](https://www.portmoody.ca/news-and-notices/posts/notice-of-proposed-zoning-amendment-bylaw-without-public-hearing-november-12-2025/). ## Weighing a home for its suite or lot potential? I’m Craig Johnston, a REALTOR® with Royal LePage Elite West, and I’ve lived in the Tri-Cities for 47+ years. On a free 20-minute strategy call we’ll go through the specific address — zoning, title, suite records and comparable sales — and you’ll get a written one-page plan within 24 hours. I respond the same day. Top 1% Team — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, 2023–2025 (team award). [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Call 604-202-6092](tel:+16042026092) [Email Craig](mailto:Craig@SoldByCraig.ca) Tri-Cities monthly ## What’s actually happening in the Tri-Cities, monthly. September 2026 Coquitlam detached HPI is $1,584,400, -6.6% YoY. What that means for your buy or sell decision — without the salesy fluff. One email per month. Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, no listings flood, no marketing automation games. Genuine monthly update from a 47+ year Tri-Cities resident. FAQ ## Multiplex, suite and laneway rules — the questions people actually ask. **Can I build a fourplex on a Coquitlam lot without rezoning?** On most former single-family lots, yes in principle. Coquitlam’s small-scale zones allow up to four units on lots over 280 m² and under 4,050 m², and the City says rezoning is usually unnecessary. You still need a development permit for most projects, a building permit, and a design that fits the zone’s floor area, lot coverage, height, setback and parking rules. If the house was built before 1945, there is a creek or steep slope on or next to the lot, or the lot is in a Transit-Oriented Area, talk to the City first. **Does the six-unit rule near frequent bus service apply anywhere in the Tri-Cities?** Yes, in two of the three cities. Port Coquitlam and Port Moody allow up to six units on qualifying lots over 280 m² within 400 m of frequent bus service; Port Coquitlam says those lots are generally along Lougheed Highway. Coquitlam says none of its bus stops currently meet the provincial frequent-service test, so the six-unit rule does not apply there right now. Bus service can change, so check the city’s map for the exact address. **Can a laneway home or secondary suite be sold separately?** Generally no. Coquitlam says secondary suites and accessory dwelling units cannot be stratified or subdivided, Port Coquitlam says accessory dwelling units may not be strata subdivided, and Port Moody says suites cannot be stratified. Separately saleable units come from building two or more principal units, such as a duplex or triplex, and then going through the city’s strata approval process. **My title has a building scheme or covenant limiting the lot to one house. Does the new zoning override it?** Not automatically. The Province’s policy manual says existing section 219 covenants are not affected, and a valid building scheme limiting a lot to one dwelling takes precedence over the new zoning densities. Port Moody says it cannot process an SSMUH application on a lot with a building scheme until a court order discharges it, and Port Coquitlam says covenants that prohibit suites or accessory dwellings must be discharged first. Have a lawyer review the title before you buy for added-unit potential. **How large can a laneway home be in Port Coquitlam?** Port Coquitlam’s accessory dwelling unit rules allow up to 90 m² (968 sq ft) and two storeys, with a maximum of 8.5 m to the roof peak for a 9:12 or steeper roof and 7.5 m otherwise. It must sit at least 6 m from the main house, have one independently accessible parking space and 15 m² of private outdoor space, be sprinklered, and meet fire-access distances to the street and a hydrant. It needs a development permit before the building permit. **How can I tell whether the suite in a home I’m buying is legal?** Ask the seller for the building permit and final inspection records for the suite, then confirm them with the city’s building department. In Coquitlam, all secondary suites require building permits to be legal, and the Building Division can be asked about past permits at permits@coquitlam.ca. A suite built without permits may need upgrades or removal, so make your offer subject to reviewing the permit records before you rely on the rent. **Do new suites and laneway homes pay development cost charges?** It depends on the city. Port Coquitlam says its development cost charges are not applied to new secondary suites or accessory buildings, and its 2026 Amenity Cost Charge Bylaw defines a dwelling unit as excluding them. Coquitlam says development cost charges apply to all new small-scale multi-unit development and amenity cost charges may apply. Port Moody says development cost charges apply to small-scale multi-unit projects. Get current figures from the city for your specific plan. **Does a lot zoned for four units automatically sell for more?** No. Zoning gives a lot options, but buyers pay for what is realistically buildable and financeable. Lot area and shape, lane access, servicing costs, trees, slopes, fire access, title restrictions and construction costs all decide whether extra units make sense. When I price a home, I start from comparable sales and then look at whether its added-unit potential is documented and practical. Verified Google reviews ## What clients say. 5.0 stars across 36+ verified Google reviews. Three from recent clients below. [★★★★★](/reviews/) “Craig Johnston recently sold my townhouse in West Vancouver in less than 6 days for over asking price!!!!! Craig is one of the most prolific and highly motivated realtors I have seen in the Realty business, and I have extensive experience buying and selling properties of all sorts.” Riverplate Equities Seller · November 2023 · Google Review [★★★★★](/reviews/) “We had a fantastic experience working with Craig on the purchase of our first home in Coquitlam. He was incredibly friendly and responsive, always quick to answer our messages and questions. Throughout the process, he took the time to walk us through each step so my partner and I always knew exactly what was going on and what to expect next. Craig also gave us honest, helpful opinions on properties we were considering, which really helped guide us toward a place we love. On top of that, he connected us with a great broker and lawyer, making the whole process feel seamless. We're so happy in our new home and couldn't have done it without him. Highly recommend Craig to anyone buying a home!” Rohit & Georgie First-Time Buyers · July 2026 · Google Review [★★★★★](/reviews/) “His creativity, top-notch communication skills, and a solid plan were instrumental in selling high and buying low. His foresight in negotiation, predicting outcomes before they happened, truly set him apart. He's also humble and very respectful.” Sue H. Sold + Bought · Google Review [Read all the reviews →](/reviews/) Buying, selling or adding units? ## Get a plan before you pay for potential. A 20-minute strategy call covers the specific address — zoning, title, suite records and comparable sales — and ends with a written one-page plan within 24 hours. No pressure, no obligation. [Book a 20-min Strategy Call →](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Get a Free Equity Map](/home-evaluation/) [★★★★★ 5.0 across 36+ Google reviews · Top 1% Team — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, 2023–2025 · 47+ years in the Tri-Cities](/reviews/) Or call direct: [604-202-6092](tel:+16042026092) Best REALTOR® by area ## A specialist for your specific Tri-Cities city or neighbourhood. [Coquitlam REALTOR® →](/best-realtor-in-coquitlam/) [Burke Mountain REALTOR® →](/best-realtor-in-burke-mountain/) [Westwood Plateau REALTOR® →](/best-realtor-in-westwood-plateau/) [Heritage Mountain REALTOR® →](/best-realtor-in-heritage-mountain/) [Port Moody REALTOR® →](/best-realtor-in-port-moody/) [Port Coquitlam REALTOR® →](/best-realtor-in-port-coquitlam/) [Anmore REALTOR® →](/best-realtor-in-anmore/) [Belcarra REALTOR® →](/best-realtor-in-belcarra/) [Or read how to choose a Tri-Cities REALTOR® →](/best-realtor-in-coquitlam/)