Density bonus is a zoning tool that provides developers with the option to build additional residential floor area in exchange for providing a public benefit, such as affordable housing or community amenities.
Effective June 30, 2026, optional density bonus for affordable housing is applicable in the City's high-density residential and mixed-use zones. Developers can build up to 1.5 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in exchange for purpose-built rental, including affordable housing (below-market rental or non-market housing). Amenity Cost Charges are waived on bonus rental density through an ACC Reduction Bylaw.
While developers are encouraged to provide affordable housing units in-kind, cash-in-lieu may be provided. Visit our cash-in-lieu page to find rates. Cash-in-lieu is payable at the time of Building Permit issuance.
Additional information on the City's Density Bonus Program is available on LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/highdensity and in the following reports:
Legacy Density Bonus Program
Development applications that received Third Reading prior to June 30, 2026 were and continue to be eligible for the City's legacy density bonus program. The legacy program permitted additional residential floor area in exchange for funding for community amenities and below-market rental or non-market housing, as well as in-kind purpose-built rental units. Legacy density bonus program rates applicable to eligible applications were updated on November 1, 2024: Legacy Density Bonus Rates (PDF).
Provincial legislation mandated that the City revamp its density bonus program. Legacy density bonus zoning provisions can be found in the City's legacy medium- and high-density zones and in many Comprehensive Development zones.
For additional information: Legacy Density Bonus Determination of Value and Administering Payments – Policy and Procedure (PDF).