ADU Vancouver: Complete Accessory Dwelling Unit Guide — Bill 44 & SSMUH (2026)
Bill 44 (the Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2023) and the province’s Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act have fundamentally changed what Vancouver homeowners can build on their lots. This guide explains what an ADU is, what’s now permitted on single-family lots across BC, and how to navigate the process in 2026.
What Is an ADU in Vancouver?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary living unit on a residential lot — either attached to the main home (basement suite, garden suite above garage) or detached (laneway home, carriage house). In Metro Vancouver context, the most common ADU types are:
- Secondary suite (basement suite): Self-contained unit within the main home — separate entrance, full kitchen, bathroom
- Laneway home: Detached structure at the rear of the lot, typically 400–900 sq ft
- Garden suite: Detached or semi-detached suite in the rear yard (permitted under Bill 44 across most BC municipalities)
- Multiplex units: Bill 44 now allows up to 4 units on most single-family lots in urban areas of BC
What Bill 44 Changed for Vancouver ADUs
Bill 44 requires all BC municipalities with populations over 5,000 to allow a minimum of:
- 4 units on lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use within Urban Containment Boundaries
- 6 units on lots within 800m of a frequent transit stop (SkyTrain, SeaBus, major bus routes)
- Municipalities must adopt these permissions in their zoning bylaws — most Metro Vancouver cities completed this by June 2024
In practical terms for a typical Vancouver homeowner: your lot likely now permits a main house + secondary suite + laneway home — or potentially more units under a formal multiplex application. The key is confirming your specific lot’s zoning and the applicable bylaw.
ADU Options by City (Metro Vancouver 2026)
- City of Vancouver (COV): Secondary suite + laneway home on same lot permitted. Multiplex up to 6 units in most RS zones. COV’s Simplified Rezoning process applies to many R1-1 zoned lots.
- Burnaby: Secondary suite + garden suite permitted. Multiplex applications under Bill 44 via simplified process.
- Richmond: Secondary suite permitted in single-family homes. Garden suite bylaw amended in 2023 to permit on most lots.
- Surrey: Secondary suite long-permitted. Garden suite bylaw updated 2024. Multiplex applications accepted.
- North Vancouver (District): Secondary suite and detached secondary suite (garden suite) permitted on qualifying lots.
ADU Construction Cost in Metro Vancouver (2026)
- Secondary suite (basement): $75,000–$130,000
- Laneway home (400–900 sq ft): $250,000–$400,000
- Garden suite (similar to laneway): $220,000–$370,000
- Multiplex conversion (3–4 units): $400,000–$850,000+
VGC provides free ADU assessments — we’ll advise on what’s permitted on your specific lot and provide fixed-price quotes for all ADU types. Book your free consultation.
Related: Laneway Homes Vancouver | Basement Suites Vancouver
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