With urban density increasing in Vancouver, the potential to maximize the capacity of your property is being encouraged by some local authorities through laneway, and infill houses. These supplementary buildings can be used for family, or means for additional revenue. Each of these options have different implications.
Laneway
Laneway homes are small houses intended for single households. They are calculated at 16% of your lot size to come up with the Floor Space Ratio (FSR) allowable on your property. Laneway homes can be used as rental suites or for family use.
Infill
Infill homes are only permitted as an incentive for character house retention in RS and RT zones and may be eligible for strata-title and sold separately from the main house. Infill homes have a slightly larger foot print calculated at 25% of your lot size to determine the FSR. Infill homes are granted in conjunction with an agreement to maintain or renovate the original building in keeping with the unique style of a home built prior to 1940.
