Burnaby.ca January 14 2025
The City of Burnaby is making it easier for new homebuilders to explore expanded options for developing their property by publishing a housing design library.
The housing design library contains 12 designs for a range of different options, including laneway homes, duplexes and new options such as quadplexes and 6-unit configurations built around a courtyard. Each of these designs has been reviewed by City staff to ensure they meet the BC Building Code and comply with City bylaws.
Designs in the library were provided by local architectural and design-build firms, and the library may expand with new designs in the future.
Residents interested in using these designs may follow up with the design firms to purchase use of these plans.
Learn More: Burnaby.ca/HousingLibrary
Small-scale housing designs for R1 lots
Burnaby’s Housing Design Library is an online gallery of small-scale multi-unit home designs. The Housing Design Library makes a variety of home designs available to small-scale developers and residents, connects people with reputable designers, and potentially reduces time and costs associated with the design, permitting and construction process.
Small-scale multi-unit housing in Burnaby
As of July 1, 2024, the City of Burnaby’s Zoning Bylaw allows up to 6 units to be built on lots previously zoned for single or two-family homes. These zones have been collectively rezoned to R1 – Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing District. Burnaby made the change to align with new provincial housing legislation, which seeks to increase housing supply by increasing the availability of small-scale multi-unit housing. These include single-family homes, laneway homes, duplexes, multiplexes and rowhouses, as well as secondary suites in most configurations.
