Garden Suite Permits in Vancouver and BC: Rules & Costs 2026
What Is a Garden Suite?
A garden suite is a detached residential unit in the rear or side yard of a property — similar to a laneway house but without the requirement to face a rear lane. Garden suites are now permitted in many BC municipalities as part of provincial Missing Middle Housing legislation.
Provincial Changes: Bill 44 and Garden Suites
BC’s Bill 44 (Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing) and related legislation mandated that municipalities allow secondary suites and laneway/garden houses in most residential zones. This has dramatically expanded garden suite eligibility in Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver, Surrey, and other municipalities that previously prohibited them.
Garden Suite Rules by Municipality (2026)
| Municipality | Term | Max Size | Lane Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | Laneway House | 55m² + 10m² parking | Yes |
| Burnaby | Carriage House | 65m² | No |
| Richmond | Detached Garden Suite | 50% of main floor | No |
| North Vancouver Dist. | Garden Suite | 80m² | No |
| Surrey | Detached ADU | 90m² | No |
| Coquitlam | Garden Suite | 65m² | No |
Garden Suite Construction Costs
Garden suites cost similarly to laneway houses: $180,000–$350,000 depending on size and finishes. Properties without lane access save the lane setback but may have site access challenges for construction equipment. Budget similarly to a laneway house.
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