Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (Bill 44)

In November 2023, the Province introduced several pieces of legislation to amend the Local Government Act (LGA) aimed at increasing housing supply. Bill 44 requires local governments to permit increased density in areas traditionally designated for single detached homes. In order to implement the required legislative changes, Delta was required to update its Zoning Bylaws before June 30, 2024 to allow for the construction of small-scale multi-unit housing.

Below are some frequently asked questions. If you need more information, please contact the Development Department at development@delta.ca or 604-946-3380.

Small-scale multi-unit housing, or SSMUH, describes a range of housing types that are ground-oriented and compatible in scale with a low density, single detached neighbourhood. In Delta, SSMUH can be:
- Single detached dwelling
- Duplex dwelling
- Secondary suite
- Garden suite
- Coach house
On a property that is zoned to allow for a single detached or duplex dwelling (e.g., RS or RD zones, as well as some CD zones), the following housing types can be constructed without the need for rezoning or a development permit. Note that some properties may have certain restrictions that limit development potential (e.g., covenants registered on title, steep slopes, nearby streams).
- A maximum of three units on properties up to 280 m² (3,014 ft²)
- A maximum of four units on properties over 280 m² (3,014 ft²)
- A maximum of six units on properties over 280 m² (3,014 ft²) within 400 metres of frequent transit along Scott Road (review the Info Report for your property on DeltaMap to see if your property is in the “SSMUH 6 Unit Area”)
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On each property, subject to the maximum number of units described above, you can construct:
- One single detached dwelling or one duplex dwelling
- Secondary suite (one in a single detached dwelling, two in a duplex dwelling)
- Garden suite and/or coach house (maximum of two)
The exact details of how big the buildings can be, and where they can be on the lot, can be found in the Zoning Bylaw under the General Regulations section and the applicable zone. You can also contact the Development Department at development@delta.ca or 604-946-3380 for more information.
Under the new rules, each unit requires one parking space to be provided on the lot. Those spaces do not have to be provided in a garage. Dwelling units under 33 m² (355 ft²) are not required to have parking spaces, nor are any dwelling units on properties within 400 metres of frequent transit along Scott Road (review the Info Report for your property on DeltaMap to see if your property is in the “SSMUH 6 Unit Area” and therefore qualifies for this parking exemption). A builder is still able to provide more parking than is required in the bylaw.
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Applications that align with the Zoning Bylaw do not require public notification or approval by Council. This means that residents can anticipate seeing development get underway in their neighbourhood without the usual street signage, letters or newspaper advertisements. Applications that do not meet the new requirements will still go through a public notification process and will require approval by the City.
If you are curious about construction in your area, you can see properties that have received building permits on DeltaMap under the Permits layer.
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