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District of Squamish Zoning Bylaw No. 2200, 2011
The District of Squamish's zoning bylaw, which applies in Squamish. Our summary of its 3 residential zones R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones, read from the consolidation to 2026-09-17 and checked 2026-10-04. Its other zones aren't summarised here.
The zones side by side
| Zone | Homes allowed | Smallest lot for a subdivision | Lot coverage | Height limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1 Residential 1 | A house, a duplex, or a triplex or fourplex (three or more attached homes). At most 5 homes on a lot in all, counting secondary suites, accessory dwelling units and flex units, and no more than 4 on strata titles; 6 of each within 400 m of a bus route the bylaw counts as frequent, once one runs (ss. 6A.5, 4.55). A house or each half of a duplex can have one secondary suite, and an accessory dwelling unit (a detached or garage suite) can be added (ss. 4.5, 4.38). The lot needs community water and sewer to build (s. 6A.12) | 690 m², 18.36 m wide, 27.4 m deepExceptions (1)
Listed in s. 6A.2(b) of the bylaw. | 33% for a house or duplex, 40% with a secondary suite and an accessory dwelling unit, 50% for a triplex or fourplex | House or duplex 9 m; triplex or fourplex 11 m or three storeys, whichever is less; accessory dwelling unit 8 m or three storeys; other accessory buildings 4.58 m |
| R-2 Residential 2 | A house or a duplex, with at most 2 homes on a lot in all, counting secondary suites and accessory dwelling units (s. 6.5(b)). An accessory dwelling unit (a detached or garage suite) can be added to a house (s. 4.38). A secondary suite isn't in the zone's list of uses, though the zone's density rules count one, so whether a house can have one is unclear: ask the District (ss. 6.1, 6.5, 4.5). The lot needs community water and sewer to build (s. 6.12) | 690 m², 18.4 m wide, 27.4 m deep; 4 ha for a property over 0.8 haExceptions (1)
Listed in s. 6.2 of the bylaw. | 33% | House or duplex 9 m; accessory dwelling unit 8 m or three storeys, whichever is less; other accessory buildings 4.58 m |
| R-3 Residential 3 | A house, a duplex or a triplex, with at most 3 homes on a lot in all, counting secondary suites, multi-unit flex units and accessory dwelling units (s. 7.5(b)). A house or each half of a duplex can have one secondary suite, and an accessory dwelling unit (a detached or garage suite) can be added (ss. 4.5, 4.38). The lot needs community water and sewer to build (s. 7.13) | 690 m², 18.4 m wide, 27.4 m deep; 4 ha for a property over 0.8 ha (s. 7.2) | 33% | House or duplex 9 m; triplex 11 m or three storeys, whichever is less; accessory dwelling unit 8 m or three storeys; other accessory buildings 4.58 m |
"Not set" means the zone itself sets no figure; general rules elsewhere in the bylaw may still apply. Each zone's page has its uses, setbacks and the general rules that apply to it.
Where the bylaw is unclear
Points we couldn't settle from the bylaw's text. Ask before you rely on them.
- R-3: A multi-unit flex unit (a lockable unit with its own kitchen inside a home): one per strata unit, 40 to 90 m² and at most 40% of the home, not with a secondary suite, no strata title, no short-term rental. The general rule allows one in a multi-unit, townhouse or apartment home, so whether one fits in a triplex is unclear: ask the District (ss. 7.1, 4.39).
Site-specific exceptions listed in the bylaw by legal description can add or change uses for one property, and development permit areas, the ALR and building rules apply on top. Confirm with the District of Squamish's planning department before you buy or build.
Source: District of Squamish Zoning Bylaw No. 2200, 2011 (summarised in our words); zone map: Open Government Licence – Squamish.