City of Burnaby Zoning Bylaw Update
The proposed changes were introduced to the Council on October 7, 2024, and detailed text amendments are expected to be considered by the Council for adoption in early 2025.
“As part of Burnaby’s comprehensive Zoning Bylaw update, building forms commonly referred to as laneway homes will continue to be permitted in the new R1 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing District, including on lots without lanes.
These building forms are now, however, regulated the same as other principal buildings (such as single-family homes) so they’re no longer referred to as “laneway homes.” The new regulations also permit more diverse housing types to be built at the rear of a lot, including multiple laneway homes, semi-detached (i.e. duplex) laneway homes, and laneway homes with secondary suites.
To learn more about what is possible with these building forms, please visit our Zoning Bylaw Rewrite page. To learn more about the requirements to construct this type of building, please visit our New Home Construction page.”
New Burnaby Zoning Bylaw Update:
Phase 1 Zoning Bylaw Re-write
Small-scale multi-unit housing – New R1 SSMUH District
In November 2023, the Province of BC introduced new legislation (Bill 44) to address affordability by creating more housing supply. The legislation mandates municipalities permit the construction of 3 to 6 dwelling units on all lots zoned for single- and two-family uses in small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH).
To comply with the new provincial housing legislation, the City amended the Zoning Bylaw to consolidate the 12 existing R-Districts into one new R1 SSMUH District. The new regulations went into effect on July 1, 2024, in accordance with provincial deadlines. See our Summary of the R1 SSMUH District Regulations for more information.
