NOVEMBER 2016
laneway housing
current as of:
Updated versions of this guide and laneway housing regulations & guidelines are available online at: http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/building-your-laneway-house.aspx
HOW-TO GUIDE
CONTENTS
OVERVIEW ................................................................................................. 3
how to use this guide ............................................................................................................... 4
what is a laneway house? ....................................................................................................... 5
why laneway housing? ........................................................................................................... 6
laneway housing principles ..................................................................................................... 7
PLANNING .................................................................................................. 8
is my lot eligible? .................................................................................................................... 9
what steps are involved? ......................................................................................................... 12
DESIGN ..................................................................................................... 19
design basics ........................................................................................................................... 20
location on the lot .................................................................................................................... 21
size & height ............................................................................................................................ 24
parking .................................................................................................................................... 27
landscaping ............................................................................................................................ 29
tree protection.......................................................................................................................... 30
design in context ..................................................................................................................... 31
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES ......................................................................39
33’ wide lot ............................................................................................................................... 40
50’ wide lot ............................................................................................................................... 44
lane frontage............................................................................................................................ 48
APPENDIX ................................................................................................ A1
resources and contacts ........................................................................................................... A2
frequently asked questions ..................................................................................................... A6
page 3
LWH
How-To
Guide
PLANNING
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
in this section:
how to use this guide
what is a laneway house?
why laneway housing?
laneway housing principles
page 4
LWH
How-To
Guide
PLANNING
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
OVERVIEW
• asses whether your lot is eligible for a laneway house
• determine what kind of laneway house you can build
• understand the permit application process
• understand important cost and feasibility considerations
how to use this guide
• an overview of laneway housing regulation and guidelines
• a step-by-step guide to the application process
• diagrammatic and illustrative examples of laneway housing
regulations and guidelines*
this guide can help you....
this guide contains....
* The examples shown in this guide are illustrative only. In the case of any perceived discrepancies, the regulations
and guidelines prevail.
page 5
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ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
OVERVIEW
Laneway housing is allowed in all RS
single family zones, RT-11/11N, RM-
7/7N, RM-8/8N, RM-9/9N and RM-
9A/9AN (see map on page 9).
A laneway house can be permitted in
addition to a secondary suite in the
main house.
A laneway house can be for family use
or rental; strata-titling is not permitted.
what is a laneway house?
A laneway house is a small house at the rear of a lot near the
lane and includes both a dwelling unit and parking/accessory
uses.
page 6
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ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
OVERVIEW
why laneway housing?
Vancouver residents gave many reasons for wanting laneway housing:
to provide housing for a variety
of users, such as aging family
members, adult children,
caregivers, and homeowners
wishing to downsize.
to provide more choice of housing
type in single-family residential
neighbourhoods.
to contribute to the rental housing
stock in the city.
to support sustainability by
providing more opportunities for
people to live in the city close to
jobs, services, and transit.
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APPENDIX
OVERVIEW
The following principles underlie laneway housing regulations and guidelines:
HOUSING CHOICE
Laneway houses provide new housing choices for family members or
renters in single family residential areas.
HOMEOWNER OPPORTUNITY
Homeowners are able to add a laneway house while keeping their
existing home, or build a laneway house along with a new main house.
LIVABLE AND NEIGHBOURLY UNITS
Regulations and design guidelines ensure that laneway houses:
• maintain backyard open space.
• encourage one storey laneway houses to limit impact on neighbours.
• provide for a variety of unit types.
LANE ENHANCEMENT
Laneway housing makes lanes greener, more livable, and safer by
providing living space, parking, and planting in the lane.
GREEN DESIGN
Laneway houses comply with the Green Homes Program, as adapted for
its small size.
1
2
3
4
5
laneway housing principles
page 8
PLANNING
in this section:
is my lot eligible?
◘ zone
◘ lot size
◘ lane access
◘ fire acces
◘ minimum building separation
what steps are involved?
◘ step 1: site servicing research
◘ step 2: pre-application review
◘ step 3: application process
page 9
Laneway houses are allowed on lots in all RS single family zones, RT-11/11N, RM-
7/7N, RM-8/8N, RM-9/9N and RM-9A/9AN which are shaded on the map below. The
Development and Building Services Centre (604.873.7611) can help you determine
whether your lot is zoned for laneway housing.
You can also access our web-based application, VanMap (http://vanmapp.vancouver.ca/
pubvanmap_net/default.aspx), and turn on the Zoning Districts and the Zoning District
labels under the Districts and Areas category to determine the zoning for your property.
is my lot eligible?
page 10
LOT SIZE
You may build a LWH if your site is a minimum
of 9.8m (32.15ft) wide. The Director of
Planning may approve a LWH on narrower
lots if the site is at least 7.3m (24ft) in width,
and the impact of massing on overlook and
neighbourhood privacy is first considered.
is my lot eligible?
9.8 metres (32.15 feet)
LANE ACCESS
In order to build a LWH, your site must
have access to an open lane, be located
on a corner served by an open or dedicated
lane, or be located on a double fronting site
served by a street on both the front and
rear.
lane
To help determine if your lot is eligible, call the Development and Building Services Centre at
604.873.7611.
page 11
is my lot eligible?
FIRE ACCESS
In order to add a LWH to your lot, a fire access
path must be provided from the street along
one of the sideyards to the entrance of the
LWH. This path should be at least 900mm (3ft)
in width and must be clear of any projections.
BUILDING SEPARATION
Your lot must be deep enough to allow for both
a backyard and a LWH, which may extend up
to 9.75m (32ft) inward from the rear property
line for a 1 storey LWH, or 7.9m (26ft) for a 1½
storey LWH.
A minimum separation of 4.9m (16ft) between
the LWH and the main house is required.
Separation requirements may be difficult to
meet on lots less than 122ft deep, or on lots
with longer main houses, attached garages, or
rear decks. See page 21 for more details.
page 12
what steps are involved?
site servicing research
1
step
pre-application review
2
step
application process
3
step
Investigate costs and requirements for sewer and water
connections, electrical service, and gas installation.
Submit a site survey and other plans for Engineering, Design,
and Landscaping pre-application reviews.
Submit your permit application and meet related requirements,
such as Homeowner Protection Office approval
If you want to build a laneway house, follow the steps below to determine costs and
feasibility, and obtain necessary approvals.
page 13
SEWER & WATER DESIGN
Call or visit City of Vancouver Engineering Client Services to investigate sewer and water
connection fees and requirements.
Phone: 604.871.6730 Location: Crossroads Building, 507 W. Broadway, 5th Floor
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/one-and-two-family-dwellings-and-laneway-
housing.aspx
ELECTRICAL SERVICING
Discuss your preliminary plans with BC Hydro to determine requirements and get an estimate of
connection costs.
Phone: 1.877.520.1355
https://www.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/new-electrical-connections/laneway-housing.html
Information on laneway house electrical installations is available on the Licences and Inspections
website: http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/electrical-permit-for-construction-or-
renovation.aspx
GAS INSTALLATION AND GAS LINE LOCATION
Contact Fortis BC for information on gas installation and existing gas line locations.
Phone: 1.888.224.2710 Call before you dig hotline: 1.800.474.6886
http://www.fortisbc.com/Pages/default.aspx
Once you have determined that your lot is eligible, you will need to
investigate the cost and feasibility of service connections. Although a site survey and detailed plans are
not necessary at this point, you will need a basic site plan to explore servicing options.
site servicing research
1
step
page 14
Service Approximate Fee* Variables
Sewer
$2,060.40 or $10,302
(plus a $293 inspection
fee)
A $10,302 connection fee applies to sites without
an existing separated sewer system. A $2,060.40
inspection fee applies to sites with an existing
separated sewer system. Deeper trenching may
require additional fees.
Water
$5,400 Fee applies only to:
1) sites with an existing house built before 1985
2) concurrent construction of a new house/LWH
3) sites that require upgrading for fire safet
Electricity
(BC Hydro)
$600 - $20,000
(Standard Charge)
Adding a laneway house may require a service
extension. Overhead extensions range from $1,500
to $9,000 or higher. Underground extensions range
from $5,000 to $20,000 or higher.
Gas
$25 and up $25 connection fee applies on streets that have an
existing gas main and where the cost to connect is
$1,535 or less (Fortis BC charges only $25 for the
first $1,535 in construction costs). Additional fees
apply where connection costs exceed $1,535, or on
streets without gas mains.
* These fees are approximations and may be subject to change, and excludes construction costs for work done on your
property.
site servicing research
1
step
Table 1. Approximate site servicing costs
page 15
The site survey must be prepared by a Registered BC Land Surveyor. It is advisable to hire a design
professional (house designer or architect) to coordinate the preparation of plans and application
materials. An overview of some of the required plans and the professionals who prepare them is found
on page 16.
A listing of professional associations is also found on page A5 of the appendix. More information on
plan requirements can be found at http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/application-forms-
and-checklists.aspx.
Pre-Application Review Required Documents Contact
Engineering
Site survey
Sewer and water design
Engineering Client Services
604.871.6730
If site servicing is feasible, your next step is to prepare for the pre-application review
listed below. Contact the issuing department to clarify submission requirements.
pre-application review
2
step
page 16
* An optional pre-application review meeting is available for LWH applicants. Experienced applicants
may choose to appy directly to the 1/2 Family Dwelling group without pre-application review. One
storey LWH designs also may be submitted directly. For new applicants with 1½ storey designs, staff
recommend pre-application review as well as for applicants with complex sites and new designs.
** This is not a comprehensive list. Staff will go over the submission requirements at the pre-application
meeting.
Pre-Application Review Required Documents** Contact
Design and Landscape*
Site survey
Site plan with zoning analysis
Floor plans
Elevations/sections
Photos of site/neighbourhood
Landscape plan (if needed)
Arborist report (if needed)
Development and Building
Services Centre
604.873.7611
pre-application review
2
step
page 17
Plan Description Contact
Site Survey
Plan view of existing site features:
legal boundaries, topography, tree
driplines, utility locations, and other
features
Association of BC Certified
Land Surveyors
www.abcls.ca
Landscape Plans
Plan view of proposed plantings,
plant lists, irrigation plans, and other
landscaping specification
BC Society of Landscape
Architects
www.bcsla.org
Architectural Plans
Site Plan
Plan view of proposed development:
site including building footprint, paving,
driveways, parking, drainage, utility lines,
and landscaped areas
Architectural Institute of BC
www.aibc.ca
Greater Vancouver Home
Builders’ Association
www.gvhba.org
Floor Plans
Plan view of building interiors
Elevations
View of building exteriors from each
direction
Sections
Vertical cross sections of building
interiors and exteriors
2
pre-application review
step
Table 2. Plan descriptions and contacts
page 18
APPLICATION FEES
Fees are payable upon receipt of your combined development and building permit.
◊ Development permit fee: 1 storey - $1,130, 1½ storey - $1,730
◊ Building permit fee: based on project value
◊ Development Cost Levy fees: $34.77 per m
2
of dwelling unit space at permit issuance
◊ Engineering fees
◊ Fees for trades permits and inspections (electrical, gas, and plumbing) and other
approvals will apply after issuance of the combined development and building permit
NON-STRATIFICATION COVENANT
If you build a laneway house as part of a total site redevelopment, you must enter into a legal
agreement with the City to ensure that the laneway house will not be strata-titled. This process
happens concurrently with the application review process. Call the Development and Building
Services Centre for details.
HOMEOWNER PROTECTION OFFICE (HPO)
Before you apply to build a laneway house, you must obtain approval from the HPO. The HPO
provides consumer protection for owners of newly constructed homes. For more information,
call HPO BC at 1.800.407.7757, or visit their website at http://www.hpo.bc.ca.
Once you have completed pre-application review, you
can prepare your formal permit application (http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/dev-build-outright
1and2family.pdf). To submit your application, call 604.871.6526 to schedule an intake
appointment. The following requirements warrant special consideration:
3
application process
step
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EXAMPLES
APPENDIX
DESIGN
DESIGN
in this section:
design basics
◘ location on the lot
◘ size & height
◘ parking
◘ landscaping
◘ tree protection
design in context
◘ neighbourly and livable design
page 20
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OVERVIEW
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EXAMPLES
APPENDIX
DESIGN
Like main houses, laneway houses must be located in a defined portion of a lot and are subject to
regulations regarding setbacks, size, height, parking, and tree protection. Together, these siting and
design regulations provide a basic template for laneway house design.
This section illustrates that template using the above example, which depicts a 33ft-wide lot with an
existing main house as viewed from the lane.
basics
design
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DESIGN
backyard open space
A 1½ storey laneway house is limited to
the rear 7.9m (26ft) of the lot to minimize
impacts on neighbouring yards.
Where a 1 storey laneway house is
proposed, it may extend a further 1.8m
(6ft) to a maximum of 9.8m (32ft). This
extension is required to achieve the
permitted floor area at grade. Impacts on
neighbouring yards are reduced by the 1
storey form.
minimum separation
There must be a minimum separation of
4.9m (16ft) between the laneway house
and principal house for both 1 and 1½
storey laneway houses. This is to ensure
that there is a resonable amount of open
space between the two structures to
provide for urban agriculture, outdoor
living, permeability and biodiversity.
location on the lot
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sideyard setbacks
The laneway house is subject to the same
sideyard setbacks as the main house or
a minimum of 10% of the lot width if the
laneway house is 1 storey.
For a 1 storey laneway house, the sideyard
setback on one side may be reduced to a
minimum of 0.6m (2ft) to help achieve the
permitted floor area at grade. Window
glazing will not be permitted on the wall
adjacent to the reduced side yard as per
the Vancouver Building Bylaw (VBBL)
regulations. These setbacks do not apply to
surface parking. Call the Development and
Building Services Centre at 604.873.7611
for details.
location on the lot
maximum width
The width of a laneway house, or a laneway house and an accessory building, must not
exceed 50% of the lot width for sites in the RS-3/3A Districts and 67% of the lot width for
sites in the RS-6 District.
The permitted width is determined by the formula 40% site width + 4.2m (14ft) for sites
16.8m (55ft) or wider in the RS-5 District.
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location on the lot
setback from lane
The laneway house must be set back from
the lane a minimum of 0.9m (3ft), and more
where possible. Entries facing the lane
should be set back a minimum of 1.5m (5ft)
to allow safe access. This setback should be
permeable and landscaped with plantings
that add visual interest and beautify the
public space of the lane.
The Director of Planning may relax the
setback to 0.6m (2ft) on sites less than
30.5m (100ft) in depth.
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unit size
The maximum floor area of a laneway house
is determined by multiplying the lot area by
0.16. This results in maximum unit sizes of
approximately 56m
2
(644ft
2
) on standard 33’
x 122’ lots, and 84m
2
(900ft
2
) on 50’ x 122’
lots. The maximum size of a laneway house is
900ft
2
, regardless of lot size.
These floor area limits include upper and
ground floor living space as well as enclosed
parking (where it is provided). A 40ft
2
exclusion for storage is available for all
laneway houses. The storage space can
be provided in the form of closets or as a
separate storage room (e.g. for bikes, garden
tools).
The floor area of a laneway house must be
a minimum of 26m
2
(280ft
2
), with a possible
relaxation down to 19m
2
(204ft
2
).
Stairs, underheight space, areas below sloped
ceilings, and open-to-below space are not
counted as floor area.
size & height
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height - 1 storey
A 1 storey laneway house is limited to the same
maximum height as a garage, which ranges
from 3.7m (12ft) if a flat roof or to 4.6m (15ft)
for a sloped roof.
size & height
page 26
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upper storey
The partial upper storey (measured to the
extreme outer limits) is restricted to 60% of
the footprint of the laneway house. This is
intended to limit shadowing and overlook on
neighbouring backyards.
height - 1½ storey
A laneway house with a partial upper storey
can have a maximum height of 5.5m (18ft) to
6.1m (20ft) depending on roof type and pitch.
size & height
page 27
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minimum requirement
A minimum of one unenclosed and uncov-
ered parking space MUST be provided on site
adjacent the laneway house for both one and
1 and 1½ storey laneway houses. The parking
space may be for the use of any of the dwell-
ing units on site.
For corner sites, the exterior surface parking
space should be located at the interior side
yard.
Additional parking spaces may be provided on
site but are not required.
enclosed/covered space
An enclosed or covered parking space may be
provided in the laneway house and is counted
as part of the permitted floor area. Carports
(roof covers with open sides) are considered
covered parking spaces and therefore count
as part of the permitted LWH floor area
parking
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permeable surface
Any unenclosed and uncovered parking
spaces must have a permeable surface, such
as permeable pavers, gravel, grass-crete, or
impermeable wheel paths surrounded by gravel
or ground cover planting. Under no circumstance
can the unenclosed and uncovered space be
paved.
landscape setbacks
A 1.0m landscaped setback is typically required
adjacent the side property line for parking
spaces not located within a structure.
Depending on the site width, this setback may
be reduced to accommodate the required
unenclosed and uncovered space.
Lot Width: Landscape Setback:
Up to 39ft 0(zero)m
40-50ft 0.6m
50ft + 1.0m
parking
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Note that sunlight reflected off the lane might provide enough light to a north-facing yard to support
plants that require full sun. Please research the plants to understand whether its characteristics and
needs, including watering requirements, can be met by the specifics of your site.
landscaping
suggested plant list
To the left is a suggested
plant list compiled primarily
with five factors in mind:
1) low-maintenance,
2) drought-tolerance &
hardiness,
3) scale (all plants under 3ft
high not including vines &
climbers),
4) availability, and
5) variety & interest.
The plants identified for each
category represent a small
selection of possibilities. Sun
exposure (sun, part-shade,
shade) is indicated for each
plant.
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location and design
A laneway house should be located and
designed to preserve existing trees.
Relaxations for location, massing, and
parking standards may be allowed in
order to retain significant trees. A permit is
required to remove a tree.
Contact the Development and Building
Services Centre for more information, and
to arrange a consultation with one of the
City’s landscape design specialists.
tree protection
Tree
Canopy
Dripline
Reduced
Footprint
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APPENDIX
DESIGN
Laneway housing regulations and guidelines allow for a full range of architectural approaches and
building forms, from traditional to contemporary. However, special design considerations for upper
storeys, windows, landscaping, and lane frontages are necessary to enhance neighbourliness
and livability. This section illustrates those design features using the above example.
The drawings on this page illustrate a 644ft
2
laneway house with a partial upper storey on standard
lots (33ft by 122ft). This drawing shows both an external and an enclosed parking space. They
show the same laneway house design as viewed from the lane on one side and from the back
yard on the other. Main houses are shown in dashed lines. The garages represent the height and
size that is allowed for accessory buildings.
in context
design
house
LWH
LWH
garage
garage
garage
garage
house
backyard
backyard
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reduced upper storey
The size of the upper floor is limited to reduce scale and massing
upper storey
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upper storey deck
upper level decks facing lane
To enhance both livability and neighbourliness, upper level decks are allowed, but are limited in
size and must face the lane, not the backyard or a neighbouring garden.
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windows
main windows to lane
Guidelines direct upper level windows and overall orientation to the lane.
page 35
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windows
limited upper level sideyard and garden facing windows
Upper level windows facing sideyards and gardens are limited and/or designed to increase
privacy and reduce overlook of neighbouring properties. If a 0.6m (2ft) sideyard setback is pro-
vided, windows are not permitted along the side facing the sideyard.
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outdoor space
access to private outdoor space
A laneway house should have access to private outdoor space in the backyard and/or on an
upper level deck facing the lane.
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tree retention
retention of existing trees
Existing trees should be retained where possible. Relaxations for location, massing, and parking
standards may be allowed in order to retain significant trees. Replacement trees are required as
per the Protection of Trees Bylaw.
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lanescape
lanescape
Landscaping is encouraged along the edge of the lane. A permeable surface is required for
parking areas. Green roofs, green walls, and drought-tolerant plantings and deciduous trees are
also encouraged. See suggested list of drought-tolerant plants on page 29.
Pedestrian-friendly lighting, such as porch lights or bollard lights, help make the lane a safe and
welcoming public space.
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APPENDIX
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
in this section:
33ft wide lot
50ft wide lot
lane frontage
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ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
33x122 = 4,026 sf
.16 = 644 sf
w/ stair exclusion = 684 sf
PATIO
PATIO
Concept 1A
Interior view
• single level unit
• 644ft
2
+ 40ft
2
• 2 bedroom
• 1 exterior parking space
These plans are illustrative examples only. They are intended to be diagrams of possible configurations and may not be fully r -
solved as final plans. Other configurations are also possibl
ft wide lot
33
26’
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Concept 1B
Interior view
• single level unit
• 644ft
2
+ 40ft
2
• 1 bedroom
• 1 exterior parking
space, 1 garage
ft wide lot
33
PATIO
PATIO
26’
These plans are illustrative examples only. They are intended to be diagrams of possible configurations and may not be fully r -
solved as final plans. Other configurations are also possibl
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PATIO
PATIO
Concept 2A
Interior view
• 1½ storey unit
• 644ft
2
+ 40ft
2
• 2 bedrooms
• 1 exterior parking space
ft wide lot
33
ground floor
upper floor
26’
These plans are illustrative examples only. They are intended to be diagrams of possible configurations and may not be fully r -
solved as final plans. Other configurations are also possibl
page 43
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DESIGN
APPENDIX
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
PATIO
Concept 2B
Interior view
• 1½ storey unit
• 644ft
2
+ 40ft
2
• 1 bedroom
• 1 exterior parking space, 1
garage
ft wide lot
33
PATIO
ground floor
upper floor
26’
These plans are illustrative examples only. They are intended to be diagrams of possible configurations and may not be fully r -
solved as final plans. Other configurations are also possibl
page 44
LWH
How-To
Guide
OVERVIEW
PLANNING
DESIGN
APPENDIX
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
Concept 3A
Interior view
• 1 storey unit
• 900ft
2
+ 40ft
2
• 2 bedrooms
• 1 exterior park-
ing space
ft wide lot
50
PATIO
PATIO
26’
These plans are illustrative examples only. They are intended to be diagrams of possible configurations and may not be fully r -
solved as final plans. Other configurations are also possibl
page 45
LWH
How-To
Guide
OVERVIEW
PLANNING
DESIGN
APPENDIX
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
Concept 3B
Interior view
• 1 storey unit
• 900ft
2
+ 40ft
2
• 2 bedrooms
• 1 exterior parking
space, 1 garage
ft wide lot
50
PATIO
PATIO
26’
These plans are illustrative examples only. They are intended to be diagrams of possible configurations and may not be fully r -
solved as final plans. Other configurations are also possibl
page 46
LWH
How-To
Guide
OVERVIEW
PLANNING
DESIGN
APPENDIX
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
BALCONY
PATIO
Concept 4A
Interior view
• 1½ storey unit
• 900ft
2
+ 40ft
2
• 2 bedrooms
• 1 exterior parking
space
ft wide lot
50
BALCONY
PATIO
ground floor
upper floor
26’
These plans are illustrative examples only. They are intended to be diagrams of possible configurations and may not be fully r -
solved as final plans. Other configurations are also possibl
page 47
LWH
How-To
Guide
OVERVIEW
PLANNING
DESIGN
APPENDIX
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
PATIO
Concept 4B
Interior view
• 1½ storey unit
• 900ft
2
+ 40ft
2
• 2 bedrooms
• 1 exterior parking
space, 1 garage
ft wide lot
50
PATIO
ground floor
upper floor
26’
26’
These plans are illustrative examples only. They are intended to be diagrams of possible configurations and may not be fully r -
solved as final plans. Other configurations are also possibl
page 48
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How-To
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OVERVIEW
PLANNING
DESIGN
APPENDIX
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
lane frontage
Landscaped Setback
Existing Tree Retained
Porch Lighting
Permeable
Parking Space
These sketches are illustrative examples only. Many other configurations are possible
page A1
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How-To
Guide
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PLANNING
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
in this section:
resources & contacts
◘ city contacts
◘ city regulations and guidelines
◘ site servicing contacts
◘ professional associations
frequently asked questions
page A2
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How-To
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EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
• General Information
• Design Questions
• Application Requirements
• Regulations & Guidelines
• Application Submission
DEVELOPMENT AND
BUILDING SERVICES
CENTRE
604.873.7611
resources & contacts
• Sewer Connections
• Water Service
ENGINEERING
CLIENT
SERVICES
604.873.7323
City Contacts
csg.enquiry.centre@vancouver.ca
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/one-and-two-family-
dwellings-and-laneway-housing.aspx
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EXAMPLES
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APPENDIX
resources & contacts
LANEWAY HOUSING ZONING REGULATIONS
http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/BYLAWS/zoning/sec11.pdf
RS DISTRICT ZONING REGULATIONS
http://vancouver.ca/your-government/zoning-development-bylaw.aspx
LANEWAY HOUSING GUIDELINES
http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/guidelines/L007.pdf
LANEWAY HOUSING SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/laneway-housing-checklist.pd
GREEN HOMES PROGRAM
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/green-home-building-policies.aspx
WATER WISE LANDSCAPING GUIDELINES
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/waterwise-landscape-guidelines.aspx
PROTECTION OF TREES BY-LAW
http://vancouver.ca/your-government/protection-of-trees-bylaw.aspx
City Regulations and Guidelines
page A4
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How-To
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ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
resources & contacts
BC HYDRO
1.877.520.1355
https://www.bchydro.com
FORTIS BC
Natural gas: 1.888.224.2710
Electricity: 1.866.436.7847
http://www.fortisbc.com
HOMEOWNER PROTECTION OFFICE (HPO)
1.800.407.7757
http://www.hpo.bc.ca
resources & contacts
Other Resources
page A5
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EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
GREATER VANCOUVER HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION
http://www.gvhba.org
ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA CERTIFIED LAND SURVEYORS
http://www.abcls.ca
ARCHITECTURAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
http://www.aibc.ca/pub_resources/aibc_outreach/ask_arch_faq.html
BC SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
http://www.bcsla.org/consulting/roster.asp
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE
http://www.isa-arbor.com/home.aspx
resources & contacts
Professional Associations
page A6
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ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
Q
What is a 1½ storey laneway house?
The upper storey of a 1½ storey house has a smaller footprint than the
first store . The upper storey footprint can be no larger than 60% of the
first store . In addition, the upper storey should be designed to look
smaller than the first store . This is most easily done with pitched roof
forms although flat and shed roof designs are possible
frequently asked questions
Are garages allowed in laneway houses? How big can they be?
Yes, garages are allowed. Garage floor area is included in the maximum
allowable floor area allowed for the laneway house and the parking space
must conform to the minimum size as prescribed in the Parking Bylaw.
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Are basements allowed in laneway houses?
Yes, basements are allowed. The floor area of the basement counts
toward the total allowable floor area
page A7
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EXAMPLES
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APPENDIX
Can I have a garage in addition to the required exterior parking space?
Can I keep my existing garage and build a separate laneway house?
Possibly. Your lot size determines the floor area permitted for buildings in
the rear yard of residential lots, as well as the number of parking spaces
allowed. Contact the Development and Building Services Centre for
further advice.
Will adding a laneway house have property tax implications?
Yes. Adding a LWH will increase the assessed value of your property, as
would any addition or renovation to your home. This increased value may
be reflected in increased property taxes and may impact your eligibility for
the Homeowner Grant. However, as of 2016 homeowners with a laneway
house may qualify for partitioning, which allows the value of the property
to be divided by the number of residences. To find out if you are eligible to
partition your property please refer to: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/
taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/reduce/home-owner-grant/
frequently asked questions
Q
A
Q
A
page A8
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ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
frequently asked questions
Can I have a laneway house and a basement secondary suite?
Yes. You can have both a laneway house and a secondary suite in all RS
zones.
Q
A
Q
A
Can I park in the setback from the lane?
No. The space between the lane and the laneway house is intended for
landscaping and other permeable surface areas that enhance the lane.
Q
A
My lot is steeply sloped. Can I still build a laneway house?
Possibly. Contact the Development and Building Services Centre and/
or a design professional to explore the possibilities for your site. A pre-
application review meeting is recommended for steeply sloped sites.
page A9
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APPENDIX
frequently asked questions
What types of permeable paving can be used for surface parking?
There are a number of options; permeable pavers, grass-crete, and
gravel are some of the most common choices. Acceptable designs
include a combination of paved wheel paths with ground-cover
planting in the centre and along the sides.
Please note that permeable pavers will be considered
impermeable
area in the calculation of
permeable
and
impermeable
area, though
we accept permeable pavers for surface parking.
Q
A
Can the main access walkway come from the lane, or must it come
from the street?
A fire access path that is at minimum 3ft wide must be provided from
the street to the entrance of the laneway house.
Q
A
page A10
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How-To
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PLANNING
ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES
DESIGN
APPENDIX
If you have questions about this guide or
laneway housing policy, please e-mail us at
[email protected].
For permitting information and site-specific inquiries, please
contact the Development and Building Services Centre at
csg.enquiry.centre@vancouver.ca, or call 604.871.7613.
For general information, please visit our website at
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/laneway-
houses-and-secondary-suites.aspx
Questions?