Transit-Oriented Areas

At the end of 2023, the B.C. Government passed several pieces of legislation that apply across the province and impact the City of Coquitlam’s planning framework and development finance system. 

Among these legislative changes is Bill 47, which mandates increased densities and heights in prescribed Transit-Oriented Areas. 

On July 8, Coquitlam City Council approved the bylaws needed to comply with Bill 47.

Transit-Oriented Areas – Requirements

Under this new legislation, for all lands currently zoned for residential or mixed residential uses and located within 800 metres of a rapid transit station (i.e. SkyTrain station), the City must eliminate minimum residential off-street parking requirements and allow the following minimum densities and heights set out by the Province:

TierPrescribed Distance from Station (metres)Min. Allowable Density (FAR)*Min. Allowable Height (storeys)
1200 or less5.0Up to 20
2Greater than 200 to 4004.0Up to 12
3Greater than 400 to 8003.0Up to 8
*FAR stands for Floor Area Ratio.


Transit-Oriented Areas in Coquitlam

These new rules affect eight areas in Coquitlam close to SkyTrain stations. 

Implementation Stages for Transit-Oriented Areas

  • Stage 1 – Designation of Transit-Oriented Areas (recently approved)
    Officially designating areas within 800 metres of SkyTrain stations as Transit-Oriented Areas and updating related City bylaws to remove parking requirements within these areas, except for spaces designated for people with disabilities. Note there are limitations to the provincial Transit-Oriented Area regulations for housing development. Please see this Planning Bulletin for further information.
  • Stage 2 – Alignment with Existing Planning Framework (current phase – targeting completion by spring 2025)
    This work will align the Transit-Oriented Area regulations with areas already planned for growth, such as the City Centre and Burquitlam-Lougheed areas. It will also include updated land use plans for nearby areas in Southwest Coquitlam to ensure the cohesive development of affordable housing, amenities, and servicing requirements.
  • Stage 3 – Comprehensive Review (future phase – to be determined)
    The final stage involves a thorough review of land use policies, including exploring affordable housing requirements and incentives, amenities, and servicing needs for unplanned Transit-Oriented Areas and their surrounding areas. 

For details on input opportunities, surveys and more, visit LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/TransitOrientedAreas

Attend an Information Session

Coquitlam is hosting two public information sessions in October for residents to ask questions and learn about the City’s work to implement provincial housing legislation changes, aimed at increasing housing options across the province.

The information sessions are drop-in style with no set presentations or agenda. Participants will be able to view information materials, speak to City staff, and ask questions about the impacts on local neighbourhoods and future development.

  • Thursday, October 3 from 5 – 8 p.m.
    Location: Town Centre Park Community Centre, 1207 Pinetree Way
  • Wednesday, October 9 from 5 – 8 p.m.
    Location: Coquitlam Bettie Allard YMCA, 555 Emerson Street

Both venues are accessible and located near SkyTrain and transit stops, with on-site parking available.

Presentation materials from the information sessions will be posted to LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/ProvincialHousingChanges as of Friday, October 4, along with an email contact for anyone unable to attend in person or wishing to provide additional feedback.

Planning Bulletins

Updates and advisories to help you understand bylaw and zoning changes due to provincial housing changes.

Background Documents