Burnaby Zoning Changes: What You Need to Know

The Burnaby real estate landscape is changing fast and New Westminster real estate isn’t far behind. The City of Burnaby has introduced sweeping updates to its zoning bylaws, aimed at tackling the region’s housing shortage, fostering sustainable development, and offering more diverse housing options. These changes mark a major shift in how Burnaby’s residential areas will be developed, particularly through a new focus on small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH), transit-oriented development, and family-friendly living. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new—and what it means for developers, homeowners, investors and community members.

Key Changes at a Glance

1. Into to Small-Scale Multi Unit Housing (SSMUH)

At the heart of Burnaby’s zoning changes is the new R1 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing District, which replaces and simplifies twelve existing residential zones (R1–R12). The goal? Increase housing supply without sacrificing neighborhood character.

Here’s what’s now allowed:

• 3 units on lots up to 280 m² (3,014 sq.ft.)
• 4 units on lots over 280 m²
• 6 units on lots at least 281 m² that are within 400 meters of frequent transit

This opens the door to gentle density—more homes on the same land footprint, supporting affordability and smart growth.

2. Into to Small-Scale Multi Unit Housing (SSMUH)

To encourage public transit use and reduce car dependence, Burnaby’s zoning changes have removed minimum parking requirements for properties within 400 meters of frequent transit stops. What qualifies as “frequent transit”?

• Buses arriving every 15 minutes from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays
• And from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekends

This change encourages more walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods and reduces construction costs tied to parking infrastructure.

3. Provisions For Family-Friendly Housing

Burnaby zoning changes are including steps to ensure that multi-unit housing serves families, not just singles and couples. New requirements include:

• Larger Units:
  • 1–3 unit developments must include at least one 3-bedroom unit
  • 4–6 unit developments must include at least two 3-bedroom units
• Private Outdoor Space:
  • Each primary unit must have at least 10 m² (107 sq.ft.) of private outdoor space, ideal for kids, pets, and relaxation.

4. Faster Simpler Approvals

In line with BC’s updated SSMUH legislation, Burnaby will no longer require public hearings for rezonings that comply with new provincial rules. This change, aligned with Section 481.3 of the Local Government Act, reduces red tape and accelerates the development timeline, especially helpful for builders and homeowners planning infill projects.

5. Goodbye Far, Hello Simplicity

The city is moving away from complex density calculations like Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and Gross Floor Area (GFA). Instead, it now focuses on intuitive and visual criteria:

• Building Height: Max 12 meters / 4 storeys (including basement)
• Lot Coverage:
  • 40% for 1-3 units
  • 45% for 4 units
  • 50% for 5-6 units
  • 55% for rowhouses
• Impervious Surfaces: Still capped at 70% to ensure effective stormwater management, tree preservation and space for outdoor use

What This Means for Developers and Homeowners

Make the Most of Your Lot

Depending on your location and proximity to transit, you can now build:

• Up to 6 units on a 6,000 sq.ft. lot (≈557 m²)
• Also up to 6 units on an 8,000 sq.ft. lot, depending on transit access

This creates real opportunities to add gentle density on standard residential lots.

Build Greener, Smarter Communities

The updated zoning supports:

• Environmental sustainability through higher-density, transit-friendly housing
• Better livability for families via larger units and usable outdoor spaces
• Quicker approvals that make projects more financially viable

Final Thoughts

Burnaby’s new zoning changes signal a bold step forward for the city. By enabling more housing in existing neighborhoods, prioritizing transit access, and ensuring that families are not left behind, the city is responding to both immediate housing needs and long-term livability goals. For developers and investors, the message is clear: there’s opportunity here. And for residents, this could mean more affordable, diverse, and sustainable communities across Burnaby.