Do I need a development permit for a laneway house in Vancouver?

Yes, you will need both a development permit and a building permit for a laneway house in Vancouver. The development permit ensures your design meets zoning requirements, while the building permit ensures it meets safety and construction standards.

Development Permit Requirements

For laneway houses in Vancouver, you'll need to submit a development permit application that demonstrates compliance with the city's laneway house regulations. Your laneway house must not exceed 0.25 times your lot area (so a maximum of 1,000 square feet on a standard 33x120 foot lot), can be up to 2 storeys with a maximum height of 8.5 meters, and must maintain required setbacks from property lines and your main house. The development permit review ensures your design fits within the neighborhood context and meets all zoning requirements.

The development permit process typically takes 6-12 weeks for laneway houses, depending on the complexity of your design and current application volumes. Vancouver's planning department will review your architectural drawings, site plan, and landscaping proposal. You'll need to show parking arrangements, utility connections, and demonstrate that the laneway house doesn't negatively impact neighboring properties through shadowing or privacy concerns.

Building Permit Process

Once your development permit is approved, you'll need a separate building permit to ensure your laneway house meets BC Building Code 2024 requirements and current Energy Step Code standards (currently Step 3 in Vancouver). This is where Technical Safety BC inspections come into play for electrical and gas connections, and where structural engineering may be required depending on your design.

Licensed Builder Requirement

Since laneway houses are considered new construction, you must use a Licensed Residential Builder registered with BC Housing. This isn't optional - it's required under the Homeowner Protection Act. Your new laneway house will be covered by 2-5-10 home warranty insurance, providing protection against defects and structural issues.

Contact the City of Vancouver at 311 or visit vancouver.ca/home-property-development/building-permits to start the process.