Housing Choices Program Update: Burnaby Approves Laneway Homes and Secondary Suites in Semi-Detached Homes

Earlier we published articles about laneway homes. Please read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3,  Part 4, and Part 5.

Source: City of Burnaby

The City of Burnaby initiated the acceptance of applications for laneway homes and secondary suites in semi-detached homes earlier in September, starting on September 18. These novel housing options, introduced for the first time in Burnaby, expand choices for homeowners and renters without fundamentally changing the city’s residential neighborhoods’ character.

Notably, laneway homes and semi-detached home suites cannot be stratified or sold separately from the main dwelling. City officials anticipate that many of these units will be constructed as intergenerational housing, providing separate homes for parents or children on family-owned lots.

Mayor Mike Hurley of Burnaby remarked, “This represents a significant stride in our efforts to enhance housing options in Burnaby, all while preserving the cherished character of our single-family neighborhoods.”

Details regarding the application process can be found on the City’s website.

These innovative housing options were approved as part of the initial phase of Burnaby’s Housing Choices program. This city initiative seeks to introduce versatile and innovative housing forms into residential neighborhoods.

Over the span of a year, Burnaby meticulously refined its regulations and guidelines for these housing types, beginning in the spring of 2022. During this period, city officials engaged extensively with various stakeholders affected by the proposed changes. This included residents residing in single/two-family home neighborhoods, housing advocacy groups, prospective builders, and transportation organizations.

To ascertain the preferences of these stakeholders regarding Burnaby’s regulations and guidelines for laneway homes (including aspects like parking, green space, home size, and lot eligibility), the City of Burnaby conducted public surveys, hosted open houses, and organized resident workshops.

The bylaw amendments implemented today reflect the feedback gathered during this process and aim to strike a balance between preserving the existing character of single and two-family neighborhoods and addressing the demand for additional housing.

Phasing

The Housing Choices program is being introduced in phases.

• Phase 1a:
  • Laneway homes and suites in semi-detached homes (“suites in semis”) on properties with lanes
• Phase 1b:
  • Laneway homes and suites in semis on properties without lanes
  • Other forms of housing with 3 or 4 units on single- and two-family lots
• Phase 2:
  • High-density forms of missing middle housing, in conjunction with the Official Community Plan update

Learn more: 

Housing-Choices-1a-Summary-of-Final-Regulations.pdf

For more information about Housing Choices Program in Burnaby call Geoff Jarman at 604-313-7280

For more information on Geoff Jarman and his services click here