The short answer: under Burnaby’s R1 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing District, a laneway home is allowed on most former single-family lots, including lots with no lane. It is regulated like any other principal building, so there is no separate “laneway” size cap: height, setbacks and lot coverage decide what fits. A rear building can be up to 7.5 metres or 2 storeys, and it can even have its own secondary suite.
The figures below come from the City of Burnaby’s published summary of the R1 district. Always confirm your own lot with the City before designing, because corner lots, heritage status, trees and utility locations change what is possible.
What changed in Burnaby
Burnaby used to run a separate laneway home program with its own limits. Under the R1 district, laneway homes are simply rear principal buildings. The City says the new rules allow multiple laneway homes, semi-detached laneway homes and laneway homes with secondary suites, and that they are regulated the same way as single-family homes.
How many homes can go on one lot
| Lot | Units allowed |
|---|---|
| Up to 280 m² (3,014 sq ft) | 3 |
| Over 280 m² | 4 |
| At least 281 m² and within a Frequent Transit Network Area | 6 |
A main house, a suite in the main house and a laneway home is three units, which fits on almost any R1 lot.
Size, height and setbacks
- Rear building height: 7.5 m above grade, maximum 2 storeys.
- Front building height: 10 m; 2.5 storeys for 1 to 2 units, 3 storeys for 3 to 6 units.
- Floor area: no maximum floor area ratio. Buildable area is set by height, setbacks and lot coverage.
- Lot coverage: 40% for 1 to 4 units (30% for 1 to 2 units on lots over 567 m²), 45% for 5 to 6 units.
- Setbacks: 1.5 m from the lane, 3 m interior rear yard, 3 m side street yard, 4 m front street yard.
- Separation: 6 m between the front house and the rear building.
Parking
Outside a Frequent Transit Network Area, the requirement is 1 space for the first unit and 0.5 for each additional unit. Inside a Frequent Transit Network Area, no parking is required. That removes one of the biggest obstacles the old program had on narrow lots.
Warranty and who can build it
A laneway home is a new home. In BC, before construction of a new home starts, it generally has to be enrolled in home warranty insurance through a Licensed Residential Builder, or qualify for an exemption such as an owner-builder authorization or a rental exemption. Ask any builder for their BC Housing licence number, and confirm the situation for your project with BC Housing’s Licensing and Consumer Services before you sign.
What drives the cost
Laneway homes vary widely in price, so be cautious with any single “cost per square foot” figure. The main drivers are:
- Services: how far water, sewer, storm and electrical have to run from the street or lane, and whether the existing connections need upsizing. This can be the biggest surprise on the budget.
- Site: slope, soil, trees that must be protected, and access for equipment down a narrow lane.
- Size and storeys: a two-storey home costs less per square foot than a single storey of the same area, because the roof and foundation are shared.
- Energy performance: new homes must meet the current energy step code requirements.
- City fees and charges: building permits, servicing and development charges.
- Finishes: the same choices as any house, from basic to high end.
Get the servicing checked first. A quick look at where the lines run tells you early whether the project is straightforward or needs a bigger budget.
Steps to building one
- Confirm what your lot allows with the City’s zoning information.
- Get a site survey and a servicing review.
- Design the home to the R1 rules and the building code.
- Confirm warranty enrolment or an exemption with BC Housing.
- Apply for the building permit.
- Build, with inspections at each stage.
Considering a laneway home or a suite?
If a full laneway home is more than you need, a legal basement suite in the main house is usually faster and cheaper. See our page on laneway houses and secondary suites, or ask for a free consultation.
Sources: City of Burnaby, Laneway Homes and the R1 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing District summary; BC Housing, New Home Registration and Warranty. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the City and BC Housing.