Tools · Burnaby
How many units can I build on my Burnaby lot?
Enter your lot dimensions, zone class and transit proximity. The tool returns your maximum units under SSMUH, setbacks, lot coverage, whether a Development Permit is needed, and what kind of geotech work is likely, all referenced to Bill 44 and Burnaby's R1 SSMUH District.
| Lot size | Transit proximity | Max units |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 280 m² (≈3,014 sq ft) | Any | Up to 3 units |
| Greater than 280 m² | Outside a frequent-transit area | Up to 4 units |
| Greater than 280 m² | Within 400 m of a frequent-transit stop | Up to 6 units |
Source: Burnaby Zoning Bylaw No. 14815, Section 1.1.5, in effect July 1, 2026. The bylaw sets a 280 m² maximum lot area for rowhouse lots and a 281 m² minimum for lots carrying 4 to 6 units. A Frequent Transit Network Area means land within 400 m of a bus stop with frequent service. Enter your exact lot below for your number.
Common questions
SSMUH, in plain English.
How many units can I build on my Burnaby lot under SSMUH?+
Under BC Bill 44 and Burnaby's R1 SSMUH District, a single-family or duplex lot of 280 m² or smaller permits up to 3 units; a lot larger than 280 m² permits up to 4 units; and a lot larger than 280 m² within 400 m of a frequent transit stop permits up to 6 units. Heritage and steep-slope lots are reviewed separately.
How many units can I build on my Burnaby lot?+
How many units you can build on a Burnaby lot depends on the lot's size and its distance from frequent transit. Burnaby Zoning Bylaw No. 14815, in effect July 1, 2026, sets a 280 m² maximum lot area for rowhouse lots and a 281 m² minimum for lots carrying 4 to 6 units. The 5 to 6 unit band applies only inside a Frequent Transit Network Area, which the bylaw defines as land within 400 m of a bus stop with frequent service. Enter your lot dimensions above for your specific number.
Does Burnaby require a Development Permit for SSMUH builds?+
No, that's the major change. The R1 SSMUH District (adopted June 10, 2024) allows compliant SSMUH builds by-right, which removes the Development Permit step that legacy R-zones still trigger. A Building Permit is still required, and heritage or hillside reviews can re-introduce a permit step.
What does "within 400 m of frequent transit" actually mean in Burnaby?+
It means walking distance to a SkyTrain station or a frequent bus stop on TransLink's Frequent Transit Network, a route that runs at least every 15 minutes during weekday peak (7am to 7pm) and weekend (10am to 6pm) hours. All Burnaby SkyTrain stations qualify, plus stretches of Hastings, Kingsway, Lougheed Hwy and Willingdon.
Can I strata-title SSMUH units in Burnaby?+
Yes. Burnaby permits stratification of SSMUH units in the R1 District and in the legacy R-zones until the full Zoning Bylaw Rewrite (effective July 1, 2026). Lock-off suites, fee-simple subdivision and bare-land strata each have separate requirements your builder will walk you through.
Will the July 2026 Burnaby Zoning Bylaw Rewrite change these numbers?+
Likely yes for the legacy R2-R5 classes, which are expected to be consolidated. The R1 SSMUH District itself was adopted in 2024 and is the template. We re-verify this tool against the final published bylaw and keep an explicit "rules current as of" date in the result panel.