Building and renovating in Vancouver
Vancouver's zoning has changed significantly in the past few years. RS-1 zones that used to allow only single-family homes now permit duplexes, and the city has expanded multiplex zoning across many neighbourhoods. For builders and homeowners, this means more options, but also more complexity in navigating what's allowed on a given lot.
Renovation in Vancouver often means working with older housing stock. Character homes in Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and the East Side have heritage value and sometimes heritage designation, which adds a layer of design review. Mid-century homes on the West Side are frequently candidates for full renovation or teardown-and-rebuild.
Commercial renovation in Vancouver
Vancouver's commercial renovation market is active: restaurants, retail spaces, offices, and mixed-use developments all need regular build-out and refresh work. We handle commercial renovation projects across the city, from tenant improvements in commercial towers to full restaurant build-outs that require health authority coordination.
The permit process for commercial work in Vancouver runs through the city's development services department. For straightforward tenant improvements, processing times run 6 to 10 weeks. For projects requiring a development permit (exterior changes, signage, change of use), expect 3 to 6 months.
Laneway homes and secondary suites
Laneway homes have been a significant part of Vancouver's housing strategy since 2009, and the city has continued to expand where they're permitted. Building a laneway house in Vancouver requires navigating setback requirements, height limits, parking provisions, and utility connections: all within a relatively small footprint.
We build laneway homes and secondary suites in Vancouver. These projects are small in scale but often complex per square foot because of the tight site constraints and the need to connect to existing services.
Services available in Vancouver
We take on home renovation and commercial renovation projects across Vancouver. Our experience working within the City of Vancouver's permit and inspection system means we can navigate the process efficiently and keep projects moving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build a duplex on my Vancouver lot?
Many RS-1 zones that used to allow only single-family homes now permit duplexes, and the city has expanded multiplex zoning across a number of neighbourhoods. Whether your specific lot qualifies depends on its zoning designation, so this needs to be checked against the current bylaw rather than assumed from what the house next door looks like.
How long does a commercial renovation permit take in Vancouver?
For straightforward tenant improvements, processing runs 6 to 10 weeks. Projects that need a development permit, such as exterior changes, new signage, or a change of use, typically take 3 to 6 months. Health authority coordination adds time for restaurant build-outs specifically.
What do I need to know about building a laneway home in Vancouver?
Laneway homes have been part of the city's housing strategy since 2009, and the permitted areas have kept expanding. You need to navigate setback requirements, height limits, parking provisions, and utility connections, all within a small footprint. Because the site is tight, these projects are often complex per square foot even though the overall size is modest.