
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 cost effective, 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
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.