Secondary Suites & ADUs
Questions about secondary dwelling units, laneway homes, garden suites, and rental conversions in Vancouver
What fire safety upgrades do I need for a secondary suite?
Secondary suites in Metro Vancouver require specific fire safety upgrades to meet BC Building Code requirements, including fire separation, interconne...
What is the typical timeline for building a secondary suite in Vancouver?
Building a secondary suite in Vancouver typically takes 4-8 months from initial planning to move-in ready, with permitting being the longest phase at...
What are the parking requirements for adding a secondary suite in Vancouver?
Vancouver does not require additional parking when adding a legal secondary suite to an existing single-family home. This is one of the key policy cha...
What is the process for getting a secondary suite permit in Vancouver?
Getting a secondary suite permit in Vancouver involves submitting a building permit application through the city's online portal or in-person, with th...
Can I have both a secondary suite and a laneway house on my property?
Yes, you can have both a secondary suite and a laneway house on most Vancouver properties, provided your lot meets the size and zoning requirements fo...
What is the approval process for a secondary suite in Burnaby?
Secondary suites in Burnaby require both a development permit and a building permit, with the process typically taking 8-12 weeks for straightforward...
What does it cost to add a secondary suite in my Vancouver home?
Adding a secondary suite in Vancouver typically costs $40,000-$120,000, depending on whether you're converting existing space or building new. The wid...
Are there any grants or incentives for building rental suites in BC?
Yes, BC offers several significant grants and incentives for building rental suites, with programs at both provincial and municipal levels that can pr...
What utilities do I need to provide separately for a secondary suite?
Secondary suites in Metro Vancouver typically require separate electrical and gas meters, while water/sewer can often be shared with proper sub-meteri...
What is the maximum size for a laneway house on my lot?
The calculation is straightforward: measure your total lot area and multiply by 0.25. For example, if you have a 4,000 square foot lot, your laneway h...
Do I need a licensed residential builder for a laneway house in BC?
Yes, you absolutely need a Licensed Residential Builder registered with BC Housing to build a laneway house in BC. This is a legal requirement under t...
What are the minimum ceiling heights for a secondary suite in British Columbia?
Secondary suites in BC must have minimum ceiling heights of 7 feet 6 inches (2.3 meters) for habitable rooms under the BC Building Code 2024. This app...
How much rental income can I expect from a laneway house in Vancouver?
Laneway houses in Vancouver typically rent for $2,800-$4,500 per month as of 2025, depending on size, location, and finish quality. This represents st...
What is the difference between a laneway house and a coach house?
A laneway house and a coach house are both secondary dwelling units, but they differ primarily in location and access. A laneway house is accessed fro...
Can I rent out my secondary suite on Airbnb in Vancouver?
Short-term rental of secondary suites is heavily restricted in Vancouver. As of 2018, Vancouver only allows short-term rentals (under 30 days) in your...
Do I need to live in my house to have a secondary suite in Vancouver?
No, you do not need to live in your house to have a secondary suite in Vancouver. This is a common misconception that confuses Vancouver's rules with...
How long does it take to build a laneway house from start to finish?
Building a laneway house in Vancouver typically takes 12-18 months from initial design to move-in, with the construction phase alone requiring 4-6 mon...