Coach House North VancouverBehind North Vancouver's residential streets you will find a small architectural renaissance.
More room to live.
Coach houses are the elegant, space-efficient dwellings replacing underutilized garages or backyards. These small houses, like Vancouver’s laneway houses, are becoming fixtures in the city's residential blueprint from Lynn Valley to Capilano Road.
With the same name as West Vancouver, a coach house is effectively the same type of dwelling as a Laneway House in Vancouver. Coach houses are finely tuned homes that meet the vibrant character of North Vancouver’s neighbourhoods and offer options to homeowners—from multigenerational living to passive income.
City Requirements at a Glance
The City of North Vancouver differs slightly from District of North Vancouver. The City of North Vancouver permits coach houses on residential lots wider than 32.8 feet, whereas in the District of North Vancouver the minimum width is 49.2ft.
In the City of North Vancouver, coach homes can’t be taller than 22 ft and conform to specific property line setbacks. Second-floor space is capped at 70% of the ground floor footprint. These guidelines balance livability with neighbourhood vibe and integrity.
Coach houses in North Vancouver are an example of how overlooked spaces can bring new value to your life and property. Whether for accommodating family, generating revenue, or adding office space outside your main house, these houses make for a meaningful addition to any property.
Can a coach house have a basement?
A basement is permitted and excluded from the GFA calculation but must be used only for storage and mechanical installations and cannot exceed the area of the first storey.
What is the maximum floor space ratio (FSR) for the laneway house in the City of North Vancouver?
The total floor space ratio (FSR) on a lot containing an accessory coach house must not exceed 0.5 times the area of the lot. The accessory coach house itself is limited to a maximum GFA of 92.9 square metres (1,000 square feet).
What is the maximum size for a laneway house in the District of North Vancouver?
The maximum living space allowed for a laneway house in the District of North Vancouver on is 736 ft² plus a 232 ft² on lots under 7,000 ft², 868 ft² plus a 232 ft² on lots from 7,000-8,000 ft² and 968 ft² plus a 232 ft² garage on lots over 8,000 ft².
How much does it cost to build a coach house in BC?
Construction cost for building a coach house in BC ranges from $450,000 to $700,000+, with costs in North Vancouver typically at the higher end of this range. Areas outside North Vancouver may have slightly lower costs, but prices depend on location, size, design, and finishes.
What are the disadvantages of a coach house?
The disadvantages of coach houses (same as laneway houses in Vancouver context) include: high construction costs, inability to sell separately, increased property taxes, limited size, reduced yard space, and disruption to neighbours from increasing neighbourhood density.
