How many homes can I build in Port Coquitlam?
What BC's housing laws and Port Coquitlam's own zones allow on house lots, counted lot by lot from public data. To check one lot, find it on the map and open its card.
What BC law requires
Under BC's Bill 44 (2023), lots zoned for houses or duplexes inside the urban containment boundary must allow at least 3 homes on lots up to 280 m², 4 homes on larger lots, and 6 homes on lots of at least 281 m² near a frequent bus stop. Under Bill 47, land near SkyTrain stations and bus exchanges is a transit-oriented area where the city can't refuse taller buildings on height or density grounds alone (up to 20 storeys right next to a SkyTrain station).
The city's own zones can allow more than this. Lots in the Agricultural Land Reserve, outside the urban boundary, or on hazard land are treated differently.
Lots in Port Coquitlam by homes allowed
- 4 homes (lots over 280 m²)8,980 lots
- 6 homes (near frequent transit)1,098 lots
- Transit-oriented area (taller buildings)711 lots
- 3 homes (lots up to 280 m²)35 lots
Our estimate per lot from lot size, distance to frequent transit and SkyTrain, the urban boundary and the farmland reserve.
House lots by size
| Up to 280 m² (3,014 ft²) | 36 lots |
| 280–557 m² (3,014–6,000 ft²) | 4,400 lots |
| 557–1,000 m² (6,000–10,764 ft²) | 5,393 lots |
| Over 1,000 m² (10,764 ft²) | 444 lots |
Lot size decides the 3- versus 4-home threshold and, in most zones, how much floor space you can build.
What Port Coquitlam's zones allow
| Zone | Lots | Homes allowed (city bylaw) |
|---|---|---|
| RS1 | 7,043 | 4 on lots 280-4,050 m2 (3 on lots <=280 m2; 6 within 400 m of a prescribed bus stop); no SSMUH units in Transit-Oriented Areas |
| RS2 | 2,203 | 4 on lots 280-4,050 m2 (3 on lots <=280 m2; 6 within 400 m of a prescribed bus stop); no SSMUH units in Transit-Oriented Areas |
| RS4 | 936 | 4 on lots 280-4,050 m2 (3 on lots <=280 m2; 6 within 400 m of a prescribed bus stop); no SSMUH units in Transit-Oriented Areas |
| RS3 | 48 | 4 on lots 280-4,050 m2 (3 on lots <=280 m2; 6 within 400 m of a prescribed bus stop); no SSMUH units in Transit-Oriented Areas |
| RRH | 43 | 1 rowhouse unit per fee-simple lot (one residential building per lot); row length 19.5-39 m |
Zoning changes in progress
- OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 4443 (townhouse/rowhouse designations) public hearing 2026-07-14; final adoption not confirmed
Adds townhouses to Residential/Small Lot designations, new Rowhouse and Intensive Frequent Transit designations, adds RTh4 to the Intensive Residential DPA. source ↗ - New Official Community Plan (OCP refresh) drafting 2026; adoption possible late 2027
20-year plan for ~15,000 homes; may lead to later zoning changes. source ↗
Sources: BC Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act 2023 (Bill 44) and Bill 47; Zoning Bylaw, 2008, No. 3630 (online copy, no consolidation date stated; includes 2024 SSMUH and 2026 RTh4 changes) ↗; ParcelMap BC; the city's open zoning data. Estimates only: confirm with Port Coquitlam before buying or designing. Page rebuilt October 25, 2026.