SSMUH Burnaby Builders

Build smarter with R-1 zoning and maximize your property’s value.

Whether you’re planning a duplex, triplex, fourplex, or full 6-plex, VictorEric provides tailored design and build solutions that align with the latest multiplex Burnaby regulations. With over 25 years of experience, our team transforms zoning complexity into opportunity—delivering high-performance homes that meet your goals and the City of Vancouver’s requirements.

Ready to build smarter?

SSMUH Burnaby, BC

What Is SSMUH in Burnaby?

SSMUH (Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing) refers to a new zoning framework implemented under the City of Burnaby Zoning Bylaw rewrite. Effective from June 2024, all R-district lots were rezoned into the new R1 SSMUH District, allowing property owners to build 3–6 dwelling units depending on lot size and proximity to transit.

This transformative shift aims to address the housing crisis while supporting gentle density. It opens up opportunities to build single-family Dwelling plus secondary suite and/or laneway home, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, multiplexes and laneway homes in residential neighbourhoods.

Understanding the Burnaby R1 Zoning & SSMUH Regulations

Burnaby R1 Zoning – Key Highlights

  • All single- and two-family lots are now classified as Burnaby R1 zoning

  • Under Burnaby SSMUH Zoning, eligible lots can include:

    • Multiplex homes with 3–6 units

    • Laneway homes (reclassified under new regulations)

    • Fee simple rowhouses

    • Duplex and triplex homes

Burnaby Multiplex Zoning Map and Guidelines

Refer to the Burnaby multiplex zoning map to understand if your property qualifies. Within Frequent Transit Network Areas (FTNA), more units and reduced parking requirements are permitted. The Burnaby SSMUH zoning also allows stratification and subdivision under specific conditions.

BURNABY SSMUH DESIGN

Can I Build a Multiplex or Duplex Under the New City of Burnaby Zoning?

Yes. The City of Burnaby SSMUH regulations now allow small-scale developments on standard lots. Whether you’re building a duplex, multiplex, or a hybrid multi-family housing design, you can leverage the SSMUH Burnaby framework to maximize your land’s potential.

VictorEric helps you navigate:

  • City of Burnaby zoning bylaw compliance

  • Small scale multi unit housing design feasibility

  • Efficient use of space, height, and lot width

  • Permits and city approvals

BURNABY Zoning Analysis

Our Design + Build Services for SSMUH Burnaby Projects

We analyze key regulations considered include maximum building height, minimum setbacks, minimum building separation, minimum floor area, maximum lot coverage, minimum subdivision lot width, and required parking

Our deliverable? A clear, actionable plan that outlines what’s buildable and profitable based on current city bylaws and your objectives.

Our Design + Build Services for SSMUH Burnaby Projects

Site Feasibility & Burnaby Zoning Bylaw Review

Before anything begins, our team conducts a thorough review of your property’s location, proximity to FTNAs, and zoning constraints outlined in the City of Burnaby zoning code. This includes:

  • Customized zoning review

  • Guidance on subdivision or stratification potential

  • Review of the Burnaby multiplex zoning map

Multiplex Home Designs Burnaby – Customized for Your Lot

Our design team specializes in crafting multiplex home designs in Burnaby that align with the SSMUH zoning regulations, including height, lot coverage, and parking integration. We design for livability, profitability, and compliance.

Full-Service Project Management

We handle every step of your Burnaby SSMUH project:

  • Zoning and architectural compliance

  • Permit applications and revisions

  • Fixed-price construction by experienced builders

  • Interior design tailored to multi-unit homes

Why Choose VictorEric for Your Burnaby SSMUH Project?

  • 25+ years of experience in multi-family and custom home projects

  • Proven success with duplex, triplex, and multiplex Burnaby builds

  • In-house experts in zoning, building design, construction, and interior design

  • Deep understanding of City of Burnaby multiplex regulations

We’re not just builders — we’re partners who help you create lasting, high-performing housing solutions under the evolving Burnaby R1 Zoning framework.

Our 5-Step Multiplex Design + Build Process

At VictorEric, we manage your entire project under one roof

1

Site evaluation & zoning review

We begin by analyzing your lot’s zoning potential, setbacks, slopes, and lane access to create a custom strategy. Whether you’re building a multiplex or any small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH), we ensure compliance with city regulations.

2

Feasibility study & project proforma

We prepare a comprehensive feasibility study and project proforma to assess the financial viability of the project based on your specific objectives.

3

Building design, interior design, and landscape design

Our award-winning team creates unique, exclusive, innovative designs that are not only beautiful but highly functional for multiplex living—whether you need courtyard layouts or vertical stacking to fit more units under R-1 zoning. Our interior design approach is always tailored to your goals: if your intention is to resell, we design with the target market in mind to help you maximize profit; if it’s for multigenerational living, we customize the layout to suit your family’s unique needs

4

Permit applications & consultant coordination

We take care of the entire permitting process so you don’t have to. From coordinating with consultants to submitting applications, our team handles the details to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Thanks to our long-standing relationships with the City of Burnaby and surrounding municipalities, we’re able to streamline the process and help keep your project moving forward faster.

5

Full project development and marketing coordination

In this final stage, we work closely with you to wrap up project details and support the marketing process. Our active collaboration with top realtors ensures you have the necessary materials and information to confidently promote your project, helping set it up for a successful launch.

No miscommunication. No guesswork. Just beautifully built multiplexes delivered on time and on budget.

Vancouver & Burnaby Multiplex Construction Projects

Multi Family Duplex & Multiplex

While multiplex zoning was newly enacted in 2024, VictorEric has several exciting projects in active development. Here’s a glimpse of what’s underway:

FAQs
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) in Burnaby

The new R1 SSMUH District comes with a lot of changes. Here are some common questions we hear from property owners.

Can I build SSMUH on my Burnaby lot?

Yes, if your property was previously zoned under R-districts, it has now been rezoned to R1 SSMUH. You may be eligible to build 3–6 units depending on lot size and location.

No. Multiplex Burnaby regulations now permit construction even without rear lane access.

 

Yes — under Burnaby SSMUH zoning, stratification is allowed for properties with two or more primary units, except for secondary suites and fee simple rowhouses.

To qualify for SSMUH development in Burnaby, your lot must meet the following minimums:

  • 10 meters wide

  • 281 square meters in area
    These dimensions apply to most Burnaby R1 zoning lots. Rowhouse subdivisions have additional criteria. Refer to the Burnaby SSMUH zoning map or ask us to review your site for eligibility.

Parking requirements depend on location. If your lot is within a Frequent Transit Network Area, no off-street parking is required for SSMUH developments. Outside of FTNAs:

  • Lots with 3 or more primary units require 0.5 spaces per unit

  • Lots with 1–2 primary units may use on-street parking
    The City of Burnaby zoning bylaw aims to reduce parking mandates to support housing diversity.

The number of allowed units under Burnaby SSMUH zoning depends on your lot’s proximity to a Frequent Transit Network:

  • Inside FTNA: Up to 6 dwelling units

  • Outside FTNA: Usually up to 4 units
    Use the Burnaby multiplex zoning map to check your address or contact us for a free review.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the SSMUH Burnaby approval process:

  1. Confirm zoning eligibility (R1 SSMUH)

  2. Design your project to comply with the City of Burnaby zoning

  3. Submit a building permit

  4. Receive permits and begin construction
    VictorEric can handle the full design and build process, ensuring your multiplex Burnaby project meets every code and timeline.

Yes — the SSMUH zoning in Burnaby allows for flexible combinations, including:

  • A duplex with a laneway home

  • Two laneway homes on larger lots

  • Laneway homes with secondary suites
    This flexibility reflects the city’s push for multiplex home designs in Burnaby that meet the needs of diverse households.

Explore SSMUH Services Near You

What’s Possible on Your Lot?

VictorEric offers multiplex design and construction services across Metro Vancouver:

  • Vancouver

  • Burnaby (SSMUH)

  • Coquitlam (SSMUH)

  • Surrey (Houseplex)

  • Richmond

YOUR burnaby multiplex BUILDERS

Why Choose VictorEric for Your Burnaby SSMUH ?

  • Designing homes since 1997 with 25+ years of real-world experience
  • Strong relationships with City of Vancouver planners and staff
  • Fully Integrated Approach with in-house design, permitting, and construction team
  • Member of HAVAN, CHBA, and NKBA
  • Multi-award winners including Georgie, HAVAN, CHBA and NKBA honors
  • Active educator through our Multiplex Vancouver YouTube series and live webinars
  • Part of VictorEric Group of Companies alongside VSP Developments for a full Design + Build + Develop approach

Still wondering about building a BURNABY multiplex?

Get your answers about small scale multi unit housing in the city of Burnaby

More on the latest R1-1 zoning Burnaby updates

Multifamily Homes