What is BC Bill 44 zoning?

Direct answer

Bill 44 (2023) — Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023 — is the SSMUH ("Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing") legislation. It overrode municipal zoning across most of BC to allow up to 4 dwelling units on most single-family residential lots, and up to 6 dwelling units in some lots near frequent transit. Municipalities had until June 30, 2024 to update their zoning bylaws to comply; the province pre-empted local zoning in the meantime. SSMUH applies to lots in restricted-residential zones in municipalities with populations over 5,000 (with some narrow exemptions for areas without water and sewer servicing, lots over 4,050 m² (43,594 sq ft), or in heritage areas). Eligible unit types include suites, secondary dwelling units, infill multiplexes, and townhouse-style configurations. SSMUH is conceptually paired with Bill 47 (the Transit-Oriented Development Areas Act) which targets densification near rapid-transit stations and bus exchanges. For BC homeowners: a single-family lot in Surrey, Burnaby, or Vancouver can now legally accommodate a primary house plus a coach house plus a basement suite plus an attached secondary suite — up to 4 doors total, subject to local servicing and design rules. For buyers/investors: the development potential of a single-family lot is materially higher post-2024 than it was pre-2024.