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Unlocking Coquitlam's Housing Potential: A Guide to Bill 44 and Laneway Homes

  • Writer: Paulina Moguel
    Paulina Moguel
  • Apr 29
  • 9 min read

By Paulina Moguel | April 29, 2025 | 13 min read


Building more homes—especially affordable homes—is a top priority across British Columbia. In late 2023, the Province passed Bill 44, the Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023, to help unlock housing potential in communities like Coquitlam.


Big changes are on the horizon: traditional single-family zoning will be replaced with rules that encourage secondary suites, laneway homes, and small multiplexes. In this guide, we’ll explore Bill 44, Coquitlam’s zoning updates, how to build a laneway home, and government incentives that could help you.


By June 30, 2025, the City of Coquitlam will be updating its zoning rules to allow for more diverse housing types, including popular laneway homes, on many properties traditionally zoned for single-family houses. This presents a significant opportunity for Coquitlam homeowners to enhance property value, generate income, or create flexible living spaces.



Table of Contents


Understanding BC Bill 44 and Its Impact

Bill 44 requires municipalities like Coquitlam to permit higher housing density in residential zones. The aim is to boost supply of "missing middle" housing options—


Under the proposed zoning:


  • Lots ≤ 280 m² (approx. 3,014 sq ft) must allow at least three dwelling units.

  • Lots between 280 m² and 4,050 m² (approx. 1 acre) must allow four units.


Each unit can be a main residence, secondary suite, or a detached unit like a laneway home. While Bill 44 permits up to six units near frequent transit stops, no current Coquitlam stops meet this threshold.



Watercolor-style infographic showing small-scale multi-unit housing options in Canada, including a secondary suite, duplex, and fourplex. The image illustrates how a single residential lot can support up to four dwelling units, supporting gentle density goals under policies like Bill 44
Visual guide to small-scale housing in Canada: secondary suite, duplex, and fourplex options on a single lot


The City has until June 30, 2025 to implement its updated bylaws. In the meantime, Coquitlam is assessing infrastructure capacity, creating new small-scale zoning categories, and updating its Official Community Plan (OCP).


It’s key to understand: Bill 44 does not force homeowners to build additional units. Single-family homes are still allowed. The legislation simply opens up more possibilities. Furthermore, it removes the requirement for public hearings for zoning amendments that align with Bill 44 or the OCP—a move designed to speed up approvals. Affected neighbours will still be notified.


Did you know? The Province projects that these small-scale housing reforms could lead to an additional 216,000–293,000 homes across B.C. over 10 years​. That’s because more lots can host two, three, or four homes instead of just one. It’s a big part of B.C.’s Homes for People plan to tackle the housing crisis.

Aligning with Canada’s National Housing Plan


How Coquitlam’s Zoning Reform Aligns with Canada’s National Housing Plan


As Coquitlam prepares to implement the zoning changes required by Bill 44, it’s important to recognize that these local reforms are part of a much larger, country-wide effort to tackle Canada’s housing crisis. Here’s how they align:


  • Shared Goal: Increase Housing Supply Fast. Both Bill 44 and the federal government’s Budget 2024 aim to drastically expand housing availability—especially for younger generations struggling to rent or buy.


  • Focus on "Missing Middle" Housing. Duplexes, triplexes, laneway homes, and small multiplexes are being promoted at both municipal and federal levels to offer affordable, family-friendly alternatives to single-family homes and high-rise condos.


  • Incentives for Homeowners and Builders. The federal government offers low-interest loans up to $80,000 for homeowners adding secondary suites or laneway homes, and new 30-year insured mortgage amortizations for first-time buyers of new builds.



    Watercolor infographic depicting Canada's Budget 2024, showing stacks of money, Parliament buildings, and icons representing housing grants, financial incentives, and land unlocking strategies
    Canada's 2024 Budget focus on housing: government funding, grants, incentives, and land unlocking.


  • Support for Municipal Action. Coquitlam has already received $25 million through the Housing Accelerator Fund to fast-track zoning updates and new housing starts.


  • Public Land Unlocking. Budget 2024 promotes housing on underused public lands—including federal and Canada Post properties—which could benefit municipalities like Coquitlam.


  • No Obligation, Just Opportunity. Homeowners are not forced to redevelop their lots. Both Bill 44 and federal policy simply remove barriers, making it easier to build if and when they choose to do so.


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By aligning local zoning updates with national policy, Coquitlam is not only responding to provincial law—it’s tapping into federal momentum, funding, and opportunity to reimagine its residential landscape for future generations.


The Laneway Home Advantage

Among the various Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) options enabled by Bill 44, the detached laneway home (or garden suite/coach house) presents a particularly attractive opportunity for many Coquitlam homeowners. A laneway home is a self-contained dwelling located in the backyard of a principal residence, often with its own entrance. Unlike a secondary suite within the main house, a laneway home is a separate structure. Each laneway home counts as one dwelling unit towards the minimums required by Bill 44.


Building a laneway home now offers numerous benefits:

  • Generate Rental Income: Coquitlam has a strong rental market, and a laneway home can provide a significant monthly income stream, helping offset costs or build savings.

  • Increase Property Value: Adding a legal, rentable dwelling unit generally increases your property's market value.

  • Flexible Family Housing: Laneway homes are ideal for multi-generational living, offering independent space for aging parents or adult children.

  • Support Aging in Place: Homeowners can downsize into the laneway home and rent out the main house.

  • Dedicated Workspace: Create a separate home office, studio, gym, or guest suite.

  • Contribute to Housing Solutions: Laneway homes add needed rental housing through gentle density.

  • Potentially Streamlined Approvals: Compliant projects may benefit from a more predictable approval process after the new bylaws are adopted.


Cozy backyard with modern laneway home, garden patio, and main house in North Vancouver at sunset
A welcoming laneway home nestled in a lush North Vancouver backyard, featuring a small patio, vibrant garden, and the main residence in the background.

Your Path to Building a Laneway Home in Coquitlam

Building a laneway home is a significant project requiring careful planning and execution. Here's a general roadmap:


Step 1: Research & Feasibility

  • Know Your Property: Gather details like lot size, zoning, existing structures, and access.

  • Understand Regulations: Review current rules and monitor the City's website for updates on the upcoming bylaw.

  • Preliminary Assessment: Determine initial feasibility based on your property and anticipated rules.


Step 2: Design & Planning

  • Assemble Your Team: Engage an architect or experienced designer, and potentially engineers.

  • Develop the Concept: Work with your designer on size, layout, style, and utility connections.

  • Detailed Drawings: Prepare comprehensive construction drawings for permits and building.


Step 3: Financing Your Project

  • Budget Realistically: Account for construction costs and soft costs like design and permits. Costs can vary significantly, potentially starting in the low-to-mid hundreds of thousands.

  • Explore Funding: Common options include refinancing your mortgage, HELOCs, or construction loans.

  • Potential Incentives: Investigate programs like the BC Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP) for forgivable loans, CMHC programs, and energy efficiency rebates.


Step 4: Permits & Approvals

  • Submit Applications: Apply for a Building Permit and potentially a Development Permit.

  • City Review: Plans are reviewed for compliance with building codes and bylaws.

  • Anticipated Streamlining: Compliant projects may not need rezoning or public hearings post-June 2025, but permits are still required.


Step 5: Construction

  • Select a Builder: Choose a licensed and insured builder with experience.

  • Build Process: This involves site preparation, framing, utilities, and finishing.

  • Inspections: City inspectors will check work at key stages.


Step 6: Occupancy & Beyond

  • Final Inspection & Occupancy Permit: Issued once work passes inspection, allowing legal occupancy.

  • Tenant Management (If Renting): Understand the BC Residential Tenancy Act.

  • Maintenance: Ongoing upkeep is essential.


Whether you're a homeowner dreaming of a backyard coach house, or a renter searching for new options, this transformation could benefit you.

Coquitlam’s New Zoning: Up to Four Homes per Lot


Coquitlam is moving forward enthusiastically with these provincial changes. Under the upcoming Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing bylaw updates, most single-family lots in Coquitlam will be allowed to have up to four dwelling units​. Here’s a quick summary of what’s coming:


  • Single-family lots (standard size) – You will be able to have up to 4 units on one lot, typically by adding combinations like a secondary suite and a laneway home, or by building a duplex/triplex/fourplex​. For example, a homeowner could keep their main house, add a basement suite inside, and build a laneway house in the yard.


  • Small lots (under ~3,000 sq ft) – Smaller lots will be allowed a bit less density (up to 3 units) due to space constraints​. But even on these, either a suite or a carriage house will be permitted.


  • Transit station areas – If a lot is very close to a frequent transit bus stop or SkyTrain, provincial rules would allow up to 6 units​. However, Coquitlam noted that currently no bus stops in Coquitlam meet the “frequent transit service” criteria, so the 6-plex provision won’t immediately apply here​. (Future transit improvements could change that.)


  • Public hearing shortcuts – To speed things up, no rezoning or public hearing will be needed if your housing project complies with the Official Community Plan and new zoning​. That removes a big procedural hurdle.


Coquitlam has until June 30, 2025 (with the extension) to formally enact these bylaw changes​, but city staff are already at work on the details. In fact, Coquitlam created a dedicated info hub (“Housing Changes in Coquitlam: What You Need to Know”) to keep residents updated​. The city is also updating infrastructure plans (like sewer, water, parking rules) to support the influx of new homes​


What does this mean for you? Essentially, if you own a single-family home in Coquitlam, you’ll soon have new opportunities to add a rental suite or build a laneway home on your property as of right. And if you’re looking to buy or rent, keep an eye out—these changes could create many new, more affordable housing options in established neighborhoods.


zoning map of Coquitlam highlighting areas in yellow where single-family zones will allow secondary suites and laneway homes under BC’s Bill 44.
Illustrated zoning map of Coquitlam highlighting areas in yellow where single-family zones will allow secondary suites and laneway homes under BC’s Bill 44.


Coquitlam’s Mayor and Council see these moves as positive. “We’re aligning with the Province’s vision to deliver the types of homes people need,” noted Mayor Richard Stewart in council discussions (paraphrased). The City’s planning team has highlighted that “missing middle” infill housing can help seniors downsize locally and young families find attainable homes with yards. In other words, more duplexes and coach houses mean more choices for Coquitlam residents at different life stages.


Designing for Success


Thoughtful design is essential for maximizing the potential of your laneway home.


Maximizing Small Spaces

  • Smart Layouts: Open-concept living areas and efficient design are crucial.

  • Multi-functional Furniture: Consider built-in storage or adaptable urniture.

  • Light & Height: Use light colors, large windows, and potentially higher ceilings to enhance the sense of space.

  • Outdoor Connection: Integrate patios or decks to extend living space.


Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

Building new provides an opportunity to incorporate energy-saving features.

  • BC Energy Step Code: New homes must meet increasing energy performance levels.

  • High-Performance Envelope: Focus on insulation, airtightness, and high-quality windows.

  • Efficient Systems: Consider high-efficiency heating/cooling and ventilation systems.

  • Sustainable Building Standards: Explore programs like Built Green Canada or Passive House.

  • Materials: Use low-VOC and sustainable materials.

  • Water Conservation: Install low-flow fixtures and consider rainwater harvesting.

  • Landscaping: Use drought-tolerant plants and ensure proper drainage.


Seize the Opportunity

The upcoming changes to Coquitlam's zoning bylaws represent a significant opportunity for homeowners. Building a laneway home can provide financial benefits, flexible living solutions, and contribute positively to the community's housing needs. While the process requires careful planning and investment, the potential rewards are substantial. Understanding the regulations, exploring design possibilities, securing financing, and working with qualified professionals are key steps to success. With Coquitlam finalizing its approach by June 2025, now is the ideal time to begin your research and planning.

Would you like to learn more about any specific aspect of building a laneway home in Coquitlam?



Modern laneway home in a Vancouver backyard with kids playing and a teenager exiting the unit.
A modern laneway home sits behind a classic Vancouver house, with children playing in the yard

Thinking about a laneway home but not sure where to start?We’ve helped dozens of homeowners in North Vancouver transform their lots into high-value, livable spaces. From design to permits to construction—we handle it all.

Take the first step toward your ideal laneway lifestyle.



Helpful Resources and Official Links on Laneway Homes & Small-Scale Housing in BC



Legislation and Provincial Changes

Local Information – City of Coquitlam


Incentive Programs for Construction

Technical Construction Regulations

Practical Resources and Guides

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