What can I build on my lot near Burquitlam Station? A 2026 guide to the Transit-Oriented Area
- Lots within 800 m of Burquitlam SkyTrain Station are in a provincial Transit-Oriented Area (TOA).
- The province sets minimum densities the City must allow: 5.0 FAR within 200 m, 4.0 FAR from 200 to 400 m and 3.0 FAR from 400 to 800 m.
- That density usually needs several lots combined. A single lot can often still be redeveloped under its existing zoning, for example as a triplex on an RT-1 lot.
- Coquitlam has removed minimum residential parking requirements in its TOAs.
- Before you sell or plan, check your lot's tier, land-use designation and assembly potential.
What is a Transit-Oriented Area?
In late 2023 British Columbia passed Bill 47, which requires cities to allow more housing near rapid transit. Each SkyTrain station gets a Transit-Oriented Area, generally the land within 800 m of the station. Inside it, the City can't refuse a rezoning just because it asks for more density or height than the provincial minimums.
Coquitlam adopted its TOA designation bylaw in July 2024. Burquitlam Station is one of eight Coquitlam stations with a TOA. The City then updated its land-use plans for the Burquitlam and Lougheed Town Centre areas, and in 2026 adopted further changes for the surrounding "shoulder" neighbourhoods.
The three tiers around Burquitlam Station
| Tier | Distance from station | Minimum density the City must allow | Minimum height the City must allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Up to 200 m | 5.0 FAR | Up to 20 storeys |
| Tier 2 | 200 to 400 m | 4.0 FAR | Up to 12 storeys |
| Tier 3 | 400 to 800 m | 3.0 FAR | Up to 8 storeys |
FAR (floor area ratio) is building floor area divided by lot area. A 7,000 sq ft lot at 3.0 FAR could in principle hold about 21,000 sq ft of floor area, compared with about 5,250 sq ft at the 0.75 FAR typical of RT-1 infill zoning.
Does my single lot get that density automatically?
Usually not. The tiers are minimums the City must allow through a rezoning; they don't rezone your lot by themselves. A few points matter:
- Your current zoning still applies. Coquitlam kept existing zoning on lots inside TOAs. These lots are exempt from the province's small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) changes, so an RT-1 lot can still be built as a triplex at 0.75 FAR today.
- Apartment density usually needs an assembly. A 60 ft wide lot is rarely enough for a 6 to 8 storey building with a parkade, exits and setbacks. The City expects assemblies to be practical and not to leave neighbouring "orphan" lots too small to develop.
- Rental can be part of the deal. Coquitlam's new transit-oriented medium-density zone allows up to 3.0 FAR in Tier 3, with 100% rental required above 2.4 FAR.
- Land-use designation matters. The City's Official Community Plan sets what each area is planned for. Check your designation on the City's QtheMap or with its development information desk.
Your options as a landowner
1. Build under current zoning
On a lot of about 7,000 sq ft or more, a triplex or fourplex is often possible under existing infill zoning. It's faster than a rezoning and keeps you in control.
2. Combine with neighbours
Two or more adjoining lots can reach the size needed for a medium-density apartment or townhouse project. Combined sites near the station usually sell for more per square foot than single lots.
3. Sell or partner
You can sell to a developer, or keep a stake through a joint venture in which you contribute the land and the developer runs the project.
Five questions to answer before you decide
- How far is my lot from Burquitlam Station, and which tier is it in?
- What is my lot's land-use designation in the Official Community Plan?
- What can I build today under current zoning, and what would it be worth?
- Are my neighbours interested in combining, and what would the combined site support?
- Would I rather sell now, wait, or keep a share of the finished project?
A worked example
Take a 60 × 126 ft RT-1 lot (about 7,600 sq ft) in Tier 3, around 400 to 800 m from the station.
- On its own, today: a triplex at 0.75 FAR gives about 5,700 sq ft of homes.
- Combined with two neighbours to about 22,700 sq ft: at 2.4 FAR that is about 54,600 sq ft of strata homes. At 3.0 FAR it is about 68,300 sq ft, with the floor area above 2.4 FAR as rental.
These are rough numbers before setbacks, road dedications, servicing and City review, but they show why assembly changes the value of land near the station.
About Red Cedar Properties
Red Cedar Properties is a multiplex developer and builder based in Burquitlam, Coquitlam. Our team has built 20 multiplex homes in Coquitlam and Burnaby, with 21 more in the pipeline, including 692 Florence in Burquitlam, 1161 Madore in West Coquitlam and 850 Duthie in Burnaby. We work with landowners on lots of 7,000 sq ft or more in the Burquitlam area: we buy land, form joint ventures, or build for owners.
Want to know what your lot could become?
Send your address and lot size to inquiry@redcedarproperties.ca or call 604-396-3682. We'll come back with your tier, current zoning and realistic options.
Sources
- City of Coquitlam: Transit-Oriented Areas
- Let's Talk Coquitlam: Transit-Oriented Areas and Southwest Shoulders and Corridors
- UDI: Coquitlam's approach for medium-density zones and rental incentives (2026)
- UDI: Coquitlam draft land use for TOAs and Southwest Shoulders and Corridors
This guide is general information, not legal or planning advice. Rules change; confirm details for your property with the City of Coquitlam.