December 15, 2023 - Custom Home Building, Energy And Efficiency, Latest News

Unlocking New Housing Options in Burnaby: What Homeowners Need to Know

Are you looking to provide additional space for your growing or intergenerational family or create a new source of income from renting?

As of September 18, Burnaby homeowners have a golden opportunity to diversify their housing options with laneway homes and secondary suites in semi-detached properties! This means more living choices for both owners and renters without altering the city’s neighbourhood charm.

What defines a laneway home and secondary suites in semi-detached properties?

Picture a cozy dwelling in your backyard that faces a lane or road behind your property. That’s a laneway home. These smaller homes offer additional living space for families and serve as a potential income source for homeowners through renting.

Semi-detached homes, on the other hand, are described as homes with two units built next to one another. The new bylaw says a semi-detached home can now have two secondary suites, with one in each unit.

What does this mean for homeowners?

Your home could soon host a laneway home, a compact dwelling at the rear of your property, or feature secondary suites in semi-detached residences. The catch?

These cannot be sold separately, preserving the character of Burnaby’s residential areas. Many are expected to become intergenerational housing, providing independent spaces for parents or children on a family-owned lot.

Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley emphasizes, “This is a significant step forward for our efforts to add housing to Burnaby while also preserving the local character that the people living in our single-family neighbourhoods love about where they live.”

How can homeowners apply for a permit for a laneway home and secondary suites in semi-detached properties?

Details on the application process are available on the City’s website as of September 18. If you’re ready to explore these exciting possibilities with a trusted partner who’s experienced with the process of permit applications and approvals, contact the Roadhouse Homes Team today, and let’s turn these changes into a seamless reality for your home!

Learn more about us at www.roadhousehomes.ca/portfolio/.