Burnaby Announces New Laneway Home Applications for 2023

Exciting news, Burnaby residents! After months of anticipation, the city of Burnaby is once again accepting applications for Laneway homes starting Monday, September 18, 2023.

Property Requirements:

Your lot must have vehicular access, either from a lane or side street. Corner lots may require approval from the engineering department.

Your property should be zoned for single-family use, falling under categories R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R8, R10, R11, R12, RM1, RM2, RM3, and RM6. If you’re uncertain whether your lot meets the criteria, feel free to consult with us by clicking here.

How Big Can You Make Your Laneway House?

The maximum allowable floor area for a Laneway home is 20% of your lot size, capped at a maximum of 1,507 square feet. For example, if your lot spans 7,000 square feet, your Laneway house can’t exceed 1,400 square feet.

Factors such as site coverage and impervious area coverage will influence the final size of your home.

Other key specifications to consider:

Laneway homes must not exceed two stories in height.

Sloped roof designs should not surpass a maximum height of 24.93 feet.

Flat roof designs should not exceed a maximum height of 21.98 feet.

Certain exemptions may apply to Passive house designs.

Laneway homes can include basements and cellars.

Additional considerations include side yard and rear setback, outdoor space, distance from the main house, access, servicing, and construction methods.

Laneway homes will be thoughtfully constructed at the rear of your lot.

Investing in a Laneway home brings numerous benefits, and we’re committed to delivering the most cost-effective options with the highest standards on the market.