What is the maximum size of a laneway house in Vancouver?

The maximum floor area for a laneway house in Vancouver is the lesser of 83.6 square metres (900 square feet) or 16 percent of the lot area. The maximum height is 6 metres (19.7 feet).

Does my property qualify for a laneway house in Vancouver?

Most properties in RS zones in Vancouver with lane access qualify for a laneway house. Budget Contracting will confirm your property's eligibility during the initial consultation.

Can I rent out a laneway house in Vancouver?

Yes. Laneway houses in Vancouver can be rented to tenants. They are a popular way to generate rental income in Vancouver's tight rental market.

Do I need a development permit and a building permit for a laneway house in Vancouver?

Yes. A laneway house in Vancouver requires both a development permit (reviewed by the planning department) and a building permit (reviewed by the building department). Budget Contracting manages both permit applications.

Does Budget Contracting build laneway houses in other municipalities?

Budget Contracting primarily builds laneway houses in Vancouver, where the program is most established. Some other Lower Mainland municipalities have similar programs. Contact us to discuss your specific property and location.

Budget Contracting

Vancouver's laneway house program allows homeowners to build a second dwelling on their property. This guide covers the requirements, the permit process, and what to expect from a laneway house project.

Laneway Houses in Vancouver

Vancouver's laneway house program, introduced in 2009, allows homeowners in most RS zones to build a small detached dwelling at the rear of their property, facing the lane. Laneway houses have become one of the most popular ways to add rental income and increase property value in Vancouver.

Budget Contracting has built laneway houses across Vancouver. This guide covers everything you need to know about building a laneway house, from the zoning requirements to the construction process.

Vancouver Laneway House Zoning Requirements

Laneway houses are permitted in most RS (single-family residential) zones in Vancouver. The key requirements include:

The property must have lane access
Maximum floor area is the lesser of 83.6 square metres (900 square feet) or 16 percent of the lot area
Maximum height is 6 metres (19.7 feet)
The laneway house must be set back from the lane, side property lines, and the main house
One parking space must be provided for the laneway house (can be a tandem space)
The laneway house must have a separate entrance from the main house

The Vancouver Laneway House Permit Process

Building a laneway house in Vancouver requires a development permit and a building permit. The development permit is reviewed by the City of Vancouver's planning department and ensures the design meets the city's design guidelines. The building permit is reviewed by the building department and ensures the construction meets the BC Building Code.

Budget Contracting manages the entire permit process, including preparing all required drawings, submitting the applications, and managing all correspondence with the city.

Laneway House Design Considerations

Vancouver has specific design guidelines for laneway houses that address massing, height, setbacks, and the relationship to the lane. Budget Contracting works with experienced designers to create laneway house designs that meet the city's guidelines while maximizing the livable space and functionality of the unit.

Layout Options

Laneway houses in Vancouver are typically one or two storeys. A one-storey laneway house is simpler to build and has lower construction costs, but provides less square footage. A two-storey laneway house maximizes the allowable floor area and can include a bedroom on the upper floor with a separate living area below.

Parking

Vancouver requires one parking space for a laneway house. This can be a tandem space (one car behind another) in the driveway, which is the most common solution. Budget Contracting designs laneway houses to accommodate the required parking while maximizing the livable space of the unit.

Laneway House Construction Timeline

A laneway house project in Vancouver typically takes 12 to 18 months from initial consultation to completion. The permit process (development permit plus building permit) takes 6 to 9 months. The construction phase takes 4 to 6 months.