Vancouver Laneway Houses

Modern housing solutions in Vancouver, BC.

Your Guide To Vancouver Laneway Houses

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With a rising demand for homes in Vancouver and beyond, laneway homes have become an increasingly popular solution, providing extra space for extended families or housing tenants. Learn more about what it takes to build a Vancouver laneway house with trusted builders.
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Is My Property Eligible For A Laneway House?

To be eligible for a Vancouver laneway house, your property must allow for: additional backyard space for a laneway home, which can extend up to 10.7 m (35 ft.) inward from the rear property line for a one-storey home, or 7.9 m (26 ft.) for a 1.5 storey laneway home; A minimum separation of 4.9 m (16 ft.) between the main house and laneway home; and a minimum site width of 9.8 m (32 ft.).

What Is A Laneway Home?

A Laneway house can also be referred to as a coach house or accessory dwelling unit (ADU). These small homes are situated on a residential lot typically adjacent to a back alley or laneway. Commonly used by family members or as an additional rental property, Vancouver laneway houses have become popular solutions for increased housing demand.

What Permits Are Required For A Vancouver Laneway House?

Vancouver laneway houses are permitted in the following zones:

  • All RS zones
  • RT-4, RT-4A, RT-4N, RT-5, RT-5N, RT-6, RT-11/11N
  • RM-7, RM-7N, RM-7AN
  • RM-8, RM-8N
  • RM-9, RM-9A, RM-9N, RM-9AN, and RM-9BN
Our team will handle the entire zoning application and permit acquisition process, giving you the assurance of a properly constructed laneway home.

An Affordable First Home Opportunity

With Vancouver's high housing costs, laneway homes provide a more affordable path to homeownership. Whether for young adults entering the market or retirees looking to downsize, these compact homes offer a cost-effective way to stay in the city without the expense of a full-sized property.

Sideview photo of Lane way house with grey stucco and brown siding.

Supporting Aging in Place

Aging parents can remain independent and close to family by moving into a laneway home while keeping their support system nearby. These thoughtfully designed spaces allow seniors to age comfortably in familiar surroundings while maintaining privacy.

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Multigenerational Living Made Simple

Laneway homes provide a flexible living solution for families looking to keep multiple generations close while maintaining privacy. Whether offering aging parents a comfortable space to age in place or giving adult children an affordable alternative to entering the housing market, these homes support long-term family living without the need to relocate.

Featured Project

Slocan Houses & Laneway Homes

Nestled on Slocan Street, these homes are ideally positioned near educational institutions, community centers, parks and local amenities, the location offers a perfect balance of convenience and peaceful living.

Featured Project

West 14th Laneway Homes

Nestled in the serene neighborhood of West Point Grey, Vancouver, the West 14th laneway project by PHW Homes stands as a testament to the seamless integration of charm and functionality.

Featured Project

Fremlin Street Laneway Home

Nestled within a beautifully-kept backyard, this stunning laneway home evokes the best qualities of condo living, while offering the space of a two-bedroom townhouse.

Featured Project

Penticton Avenue Laneway Home

Space is everything in this elegantly modern laneway home. At 900 sqft, this spacious abode features a welcoming open-concept floor plan across two levels, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a den and full kitchen.

Featured Project

39th Avenue Laneway Home

Built for a young, growing family, this stunning craftsman laneway house was carefully designed to utilize every nook for beautiful features and functionality.

Featured Project

2nd Avenue Laneway Home

This West Coast Modern laneway home, designed to be roomy, luxurious and inviting, goes above and beyond the expectations of a laneway home with a modern floor plan and spacious comforts.

Vancouver Laneway Home Builders

PHW Homes has earned a trusted reputation in Vancouver for designing and constructing versatile laneway homes that fit modern living needs. Whether you’re downsizing, creating a private space for family members, or adding an affordable rental unit, we ensure exceptional quality, transparency, and a stress-free building process.

The Design-Build Process

Every one of our builds is completed through a methodical and educationally-forward design-build process. This allows us to take a step-by-step approach, keeping you informed as we complete:
  • Consultation, design and approval
  • Demolition, grading and foundation
  • Utilities
  • Framing and roofing
  • Interior rough-ins
  • Siding and exterior detailing
  • Interior detailing
  • Landscaping, and
  • Final inspection

Get A Free Consultation

Get A Free Consultation

Start the laneway house building process today with a commitment-free consultation with our expert home-building team and take the first step towards making your dream home a reality.

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