Planning Services

On July 23, 2026, Sunshine Coast Regional District gave first, second and third readings to bylaw amendments 722.13 and 337.125, to implement Small Scale Multi Unit Housing provisions as required by the Province of British Columbia. For SCRD rural areas, this means permitting secondary suites in all residential zones where a single-family dwelling is permitted.

You can read more about the Provincial requirements here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/local-governments-and-housing/housing-initiatives/smale-scale-multi-unit-housing.

Amendment Bylaws 722.13 and 337.12 are not yet in force and will take effect upon adoption (fourth reading) of the bylaws, which is scheduled for consideration at the September 10, 2026 SCRD Board Meeting.

Purpose of the Bylaws

722.13

The purpose of this bylaw amendment is to implement Small Scale Multi Unit Housing (SSMUH) provisions within Bylaw 722 for Electoral Areas B, D, E & F, by ensuring that all parcels in restricted zones* are allowed a secondary suite. While secondary suites were already permitted in Bylaw 722, an amendment was required to allow secondary suites on parcels within SCRD Wastewater Service Areas, subject to sufficient wastewater capacity.

337.125

The purpose of this bylaw is to implement Small Scale Multi Unit Housing (Bill 44) provisions within Bylaw 337 for Electoral Area A, by ensuring that all parcels in restricted zones* are allowed a secondary suite.

Also, the size of an auxiliary dwelling unit be increased from 55m² to 90m².

* “restricted zone“ means a zone, other than a manufactured home zone, within which the permitted residential use on any parcel of land is restricted to detached single-family dwellings.

More Information

Copies of the proposed bylaws and report can be found here: July 23^rd, 2026 Board Meeting Agenda (PDF)