Vancouver secondary suite and carriage house rules
Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house in Vancouver?
Short answer
Apply to Vancouver to create a new suite or legalize one built without permits. A secondary suite has its own kitchen, living area and external access. The City’s guide explains how to submit the application package.
Key facts
| Secondary suite allowed | In R1-1, single detached houses and duplexes may include secondary suites. Check the dwelling type and zone for the actual lot.District schedule, R1-1 District Schedule, section 1.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording1.1 Intent The intent of this Residential Inclusive district schedule is to enable a variety of small-scale housing options while retaining the single lot character of the area. Housing options include multiple dwellings (“multiplex” up to 6 dwelling units, or up to 8 rental dwelling units), duplexes and single detached houses. Duplexes may include additional dwelling units such as secondary suites and lock-off units, and single detached houses may include additional dwelling units such as secondary suites and laneway houses. |
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| Coach house or garden suite allowed | The R1-1 schedule includes laneway houses with single detached houses. The conditions for the lot and proposed buildings still apply.District schedule, R1-1 District Schedule, section 1.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingThe intent of this Residential Inclusive district schedule is to enable a variety of small-scale housing options while retaining the single lot character of the area. Housing options include multiple dwellings (“multiplex” up to 6 dwelling units, or up to 8 rental dwelling units), duplexes and single detached houses. Duplexes may include additional dwelling units such as secondary suites and lock-off units, and single detached houses may include additional dwelling units such as secondary suites and laneway houses. |
| Limits | A single-family home can have one secondary suite. A duplex may have one per primary dwelling unit where zoning allows. A secondary suite cannot be separately strata titled.Create or legalize a secondary suite, What you need to know and buying a home with a suite · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording## What you need to know * A secondary suite cannot be strata titled * A third suite is not allowed under the Zoning and Development By-law * A duplex may have two suites; however, only one suite is allowed per primary dwelling unit * Secondary suites in duplexes or two-family homes are not approved in all zones * Secondary suites not approved through our permitting process are not legal dwelling units and not eligible for short- or long-term licences Request an approved use letter to find out if the secondary suite in your home is permitted. Important note Our Zoning and Development By-law only allows one secondary suite per single family home. |
| Parking | Not confirmed. Checked Create or legalize a secondary suite; not found there. |
| Permits | Apply to Vancouver to create a new suite or legalize one built without permits.Create or legalize a secondary suite, What is a secondary suite? · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingAdd a new secondary suite to your home or legalize a secondary suite that was created without permits. |
| Bylaw | Vancouver Zoning and Development By-law and the district schedule for the property. R1-1 addresses secondary suites and laneway houses.Create or legalize a secondary suite, City suite guidance and R1-1 district schedule, section 1.1; District schedule, City suite guidance and R1-1 district schedule, section 1.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording## What you need to know * A secondary suite cannot be strata titled * A third suite is not allowed under the Zoning and Development By-law * A duplex may have two suites; however, only one suite is allowed per primary dwelling unit * Secondary suites in duplexes or two-family homes are not approved in all zones * Secondary suites not approved through our permitting process are not legal dwelling units and not eligible for short- or long-term licences * A secondary suite must comply with all City by-laws prior to legalization (These items are usually addressed during the permit application phase.) The intent of this Residential Inclusive district schedule is to enable a variety of small-scale housing options while retaining the single lot character of the area. Housing options include multiple dwellings (“multiplex” up to 6 dwelling units, or up to 8 rental dwelling units), duplexes and single detached houses. Duplexes may include additional dwelling units such as secondary suites and lock-off units, and single detached houses may include additional dwelling units such as secondary suites and laneway houses. |
How it works
First identify the kind of dwelling you want to add. A suite inside the main building and a separate dwelling in a backyard building can have different names and different permissions in the zoning bylaw. A single-family home can have one secondary suite. A duplex may have one per primary dwelling unit where zoning allows. A secondary suite cannot be separately strata titled.
Steps
- Check the housing guidance in Create or legalize a secondary suite. Find the parcel's zone and look up the dwelling type you intend to create. Describe whether the space is existing, new or part of a detached building.
- Show the existing dwellings, proposed entrance and parking on a sketch. Ask planning about permitted use and the building office about the work needed for the space.
Good to know
- The R1-1 schedule includes laneway houses with single detached houses. The conditions for the lot and proposed buildings still apply.
- In R1-1, single detached houses and duplexes may include secondary suites. Check the dwelling type and zone for the actual lot.
- Find your Vancouver property on the City’s Digital Zoning Map and note its district.
- Direct general questions about detached houses, secondary suites, duplexes, multiplexes, laneway houses, alterations and changes of use to the Development and Building Services Centre.
- For a question about the dwelling type, the zone and whether the proposed suite is attached or detached, call City Hall at 311.
The same question in other places
Richmond · Burnaby · North Vancouver · District of North Vancouver · New Westminster · Delta
Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality →
Sources
- Create or legalize a secondary suite (read 2026-11-09)
- Digital Zoning Map (read 2026-11-09)
- District schedule, City of Vancouver (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
- Vancouver municipal office contact information (read 2026-11-09)
- Make a development permit enquiry (read 2026-11-09)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.