Cities in Metro Vancouver to allow laneway housing

Here is a summary of the key features of laneway housing:

• In RS-1 and RS-5 single family areas
• On lots 33’ wide and wider, with an open lane, on a double fronting street, or on a corner with a lane dedication
• Generally located in the space where a garage would be permitted, i.e. in the rear 26’ of the lot (and a minimum of 16’ separation between the laneway house and the main house)
• Rental or family only / no strata-titling
• Minimum of one on-site parking space
• Unit size based on lot size to a maximum of 750 sq.ft. (approx. a 500 sq.ft. unit on a 33’ X 122’ lot)
• 1 and 1 ½ storey configurations, with guidelines to address upper storey massing, privacy, and shadowing
• Enabling homeowners to add a laneway house while retaining their existing main house; with or without a secondary suite in the main house (a laneway house could also be built with a new house)

Vancouver Guidelines

On July 28, 2009, Vancouver City Council approved laneway housing.  In addition, Council:

• decided on a one space minimum on-site parking requirement; and
• added a provision to the Laneway Housing Guidelines providing details regarding the relaxation of location provisions for lots longer than 122’.

If you are interested in applying to build a laneway house, please call or visit the Enquiry Centre to learn about the approval process and whether your lot is eligible.

ENQUIRY CENTRE
Vancouver City Hall
East Wing – 2nd Floor
Phone: 604.873.7613