Laneway House Vancouver
Nestled behind Vancouver's main streets, a revision in urban living is quietly enriching neighbourhoods across the city.Laneway houses, those charming, compact dwellings that occupy the space where garages once stood, are now a mainstay of Vancouver's housing set. These well-considered homes maximise space while honouring the character of established neighbourhoods. Laneway homes give homeowners options for multi-generational living, rental income, or downsizing without leaving their community.
Our Projects
Cambie Laneway Home
Multi level, 1.5 bd, 726 sq.ft.
Post Modern Bungalow
Single level, 2 bd, 844 sq.ft.
A Heritage Homage
Multi level, 1.5 bd, 643 sq.ft.
Nordic Nook
Multi level, 1 bd, 557 sq.ft.
Collingwood Green
Single level, 1 bd, 727 sq.ft.
Moody Little Bungalow
Single level, 2 bd, 720 sq.ft.
Little Green Garden House
Single level, 1.5 bd, 654 sq.ft.
A Mid-Century Modern Haven
Single level, 2 bd, 904 sq.ft.
East Vancouver Chalet
1.5 bd, 707 sq.ft.
Main Street Family Compound
Single level, 2 bd, 589 sq.ft.
Pivot Studio
1 bd, 610 sq.ft.
Shift Studio
Multi level, 1.5 bd, 643 sq.ft.
Mount Pleasant Modern Rental
1.5 bd, 642 sq.ft.
Main Street Family Compound
Single level, 2 bd, 589 sq.ft.
Kinfolk Laneway House
1 bd, 590 sq.ft.
What can I build in my backyard?
Know Your Zone: Understanding Vancouver's Laneway Housing Policy
Vancouver made it possible for homeowners to build secondary residences on their property in 2009. Several neighbouring cities like North Vancouver followed Vancouver's lead in permitting laneway houses (referred to as a coach house) in the following years. Laneway homes are permitted in most single-family residential zones across Vancouver. These accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are a versatile solution to housing in Vancouver that preserves neighbourhoods.
"Vancouver really was the first city in North America to have that as a citywide initiative. It was so successful that [the policy] migrated. It really took off down the west coast to Seattle, Portland, and then all of the state of California."
— Jake Fry, Smallworks Founding Owner and Partner
Eligibility for Laneway Houses
Not every property can accommodate a laneway house. Minimum lot dimensions, setback from property lines and the main house, floor area, and building height are laid out by the City of Vancouver. Over the years, the city has evolved these rules to allow for more floor space, higher buildings, and more relaxed parking requirements.
Design regulations are city specific. For example, neighbouring cities like North Vancouver and West Vancouver maintain their own zoning requirements. Today, laneway house building design in Vancouver is more flexible than in the early years of the laneway home program, enabling truly livable homes.
Laneway homes are evidence that overlooked spaces can deliver big. Whether for living closer to family, adding rental income, or creating a work-from-home ADU, building a custom laneway house serves as a sanctuary in Vancouver’s urban fabric.
