Project Update:
The City of Burnaby is pleased to announce that the final program for the Housing Choices initiative was approved by Council on June 19th, 2023

Earlier we published articles about laneway homes. Please read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Source: City of Burnaby

The Housing Choices Program, led by the City of Burnaby, aims to diversify the city’s neighborhoods by introducing a variety of housing types. This program seeks to address the shortage of housing options by considering different forms of housing, often referred to as the “missing middle,” such as laneway homes, triplexes, fourplexes, rowhomes, and other small-scale housing types.

Phased Approach:
The implementation of the Housing Choices Program is divided into phases to ensure a systematic and effective approach.

Phase 1a:

• Introduction of laneway homes and suites in semi-detached homes (“suites in semis”) on properties with lanes.

Phase 1b:

• Expansion of laneway homes and suites in semi-detached homes to properties without lanes.
• Introduction of other housing forms, including 3 or 4 units on single- and two-family lots.

Phase 2:

• Implementation of higher forms of missing middle housing, in conjunction with the Official Community Plan update.

Project Update:
The City of Burnaby is pleased to announce that the final program for the Housing Choices initiative was approved by Council on June 19th, 2023. To support the program, necessary changes to City bylaws, policies, and processes will be made throughout the summer. The City anticipates accepting building permits for laneway homes and suites in semi-detached homes in the fall, pending the approval of the bylaw amendments.

Further Information:
For detailed information on Phase 1a, please refer to the following resources:

• Summary of the final program for laneway homes
• Summary of the final program for suites in semis
• Additional details can be found in the report to Council.

The City of Burnaby is currently preparing additional information to assist with the application process, which will be made available in September.

What’s Happening Now:
As the City of Burnaby moves forward, preparations are being made for Phase 1b of the program. This phase will expand the regulations for laneway homes and suites in semi-detached homes to include properties without lanes. Additionally, the City will explore other avenues to incorporate 3 or 4 units into single- and two-family properties, such as homes with 2 suites, triplexes, fourplexes, and cottage courts (small detached units around a central courtyard).

Stay tuned for a survey on Phase 1b, which will be released later this summer. Your input is valuable in shaping the future of housing options in Burnaby’s neighborhoods.

For more information about Housing Choices Program in Burnaby call Geoff Jarman at 604-313-7280

For more information on Geoff Jarman and his services click here 

Tags: laneway home, Housing Choices Program