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 from the back lane (alley), while a coach house typically sits above or beside a garage and is accessed from the front street.

Laneway houses are Vancouver's signature secondary dwelling solution, legal since 2009. They're built at the rear of your property with direct access to the back lane or alley. The structure is completely separate from your main house, creating a private rental unit or space for extended family. Vancouver allows laneway houses up to 1,000 square feet (0.25 times your lot area), with a maximum height of 8.5 meters and up to two storeys. They must have their own address and utilities connections.

Coach houses are a broader term referring to secondary units typically built above or integrated with a garage structure. Unlike laneway houses, coach houses are usually accessed from the front street and may share the same driveway as the main house. They can be built over a detached garage or as part of a garage structure, making them popular on lots without lane access. The term "coach house" is more commonly used in other municipalities across Metro Vancouver, while Vancouver specifically uses "laneway house" for their rear-lane accessed units.

In Vancouver's zoning context, what other cities might call a "coach house" would likely be classified as either a laneway house (if rear-accessed) or a secondary suite (if attached to the main house). Under Vancouver's new R1-1 Residential Inclusive Zone, you could potentially have both a secondary suite in your main house AND a laneway house, significantly increasing your property's rental income potential.

Regulatory requirements are similar for both: they must be built by a Licensed Residential Builder registered with BC Housing, comply with BCBC 2024, meet Energy Step Code requirements, and carry 2-5-10 home warranty insurance. Both require full building permits and must meet fire separation, egress, and accessibility standards.

Check your municipal zoning to see what's permitted on your lot.