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Laneway House Burnaby
Big change is coming to Burnaby's alleyways offering endless possibilities for homeowners to expand.What we once called "laneway houses", the space-efficient homes facing our alleyways, have evolved into a new, more flexible type of housing under Burnaby's current regulations.
Our Projects
Cambie Laneway Home
Multi level, 1.5 bd, 726 sq.ft.
Post Modern Bungalow
Single level, 2 bd, 844 sq.ft.
A Heritage Homage
Multi level, 1.5 bd, 643 sq.ft.
Nordic Nook
Multi level, 1 bd, 557 sq.ft.
Collingwood Green
Single level, 1 bd, 727 sq.ft.
Moody Little Bungalow
Single level, 2 bd, 720 sq.ft.
Little Green Garden House
Single level, 1.5 bd, 654 sq.ft.
A Mid-Century Modern Haven
Single level, 2 bd, 904 sq.ft.
East Vancouver Chalet
1.5 bd, 707 sq.ft.
Main Street Family Compound
Single level, 2 bd, 589 sq.ft.
Pivot Studio
1 bd, 610 sq.ft.
Shift Studio
Multi level, 1.5 bd, 643 sq.ft.
Mount Pleasant Modern Rental
1.5 bd, 642 sq.ft.
Main Street Family Compound
Single level, 2 bd, 589 sq.ft.
Kinfolk Laneway House
1 bd, 590 sq.ft.
Rear dwelling units are laneways, they give homeowners options
What to Know About Burnaby’s New R1 SSMUH Zone
Burnaby made it possible for homeowners to build laneway houses on their property under the Housing Choices program, which was in effect for under a year until summer 2024. Today, most residential lots in Burnaby are in the R1 Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) District. This zone was introduced as a complete restructuring of residential zoning in response to provincial legislation. Rear dwelling units are now permitted on virtually all single-family lots across Burnaby, with dramatically increased flexibility compared to the original laneway house rules. These accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are a cost effective, versatile solution to housing in Burnaby that preserves neighbourhoods.
"The biggest thing is not being capped by the city for square footage. So if we meet all the setbacks and the height requirements we can build almost any shape or layout we want."
— Tiana, Smallworks Building Designer
Eligibility for Laneway Houses
Properties in Burnaby now have more building potential than neighbouring Vancouver. That’s because the new rules are not based on allowable floor space area, but setback from property lines, lot coverage, and building height. These new rules are clearly and simply laid out by the City of Burnaby under R1 SSMUH regulations.
The city has evolved these rules significantly from the original laneway house program, now allowing up to 55% lot coverage and buildings up to 12 metres high (nearly double the old limit), as well as relaxed parking requirements. No surface parking is required in Frequent Transit Network Areas, within 400m from routes with regular bus service.
Design regulations are city specific and Burnaby's current SSMUH system differs substantially from Vancouver's laneway house guidelines, and even their own Housing Choices program which first permitted laneway houses. The new rules enable truly livable homes with the potential for multiple units in a single rear building. Unlike the former laneway program, these units can even be built without lane access.
Burnaby’s new rules are exciting because they allow design flexibility. Whether for living closer to family, adding rental income, or creating an office space, building a custom rear dwelling unit offers a modern update to Burnaby's suburban style.
