Coach House Over Garage: Rules & Costs Vancouver 2025
Coach House (Suite Over Garage) in Metro Vancouver
A coach house — a self-contained dwelling above a detached or attached garage — is one of the most space-efficient ways to add a secondary unit in Metro Vancouver. Unlike laneway homes, they use the footprint of an existing or new garage.
When Coach Houses Work Best
- Lot has existing or planned detached garage
- Insufficient rear yard for a standalone laneway home
- Want to combine garage storage with rental income
- Prefer not to sacrifice parking for laneway construction
Coach House Rules (Vancouver)
- Permitted in RS (single-family) and RT (duplex) zones with rear lane
- Maximum size: 83.6 sq m (900 sq ft)
- Must be above the garage (not beside it)
- Garage floor must be minimum size (dependent on zone)
Construction Costs
| Scope | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| New garage + coach house (600 sq ft suite) | $280,000–$480,000 |
| Add coach house to existing garage | $150,000–$300,000 |
| Rebuild garage + premium coach house | $380,000–$650,000 |
More Basement & Secondary Suites Guides
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Garden Suite vs. Laneway House in Vancouver: Key Differences and Which to Choose
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