Regional ADU Guide
ADU Rules, Size Limits & Next Steps
A practical starting point to compare the main rules, common constraints, and best next steps for properties in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Squamish, and Gibsons before you spend money on design.
START WITH THE BIG PICTURE
Most ADU projects go better when the right things happen early
Before design, permits, or pricing go too far, it helps to confirm what is likely allowed, catch the main site and servicing issues, and choose the right build path for the property.
Confirm what is likely allowed
Catch the main site and servicing issues early
Choose the right path before design costs start adding up
That early clarity is what usually saves the most time, money, and rework later.
Quick rules by area
High-level starting points only. Always confirm zoning and servicing for your exact lot.
| Location | Common ADU type | High-level size rule | STR note (high-level) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | Laneway house | Floor area ≤ min(0.25 × site area, 186 m²) (Zoning By-law Section 11) | STR rules are strict; laneway houses, basement suites, or secondary suites: you can only rent these if you live in that specific unit (not the main house). (vancouver.ca) |
| Squamish | ADU / Carriage house | ADU gross floor area ≤ 90 m²; if above garage: structure ≤ 180 m², habitable ≤ 90 m² (squamish.ca) | Squamish states ADUs aren’t permitted for short-term rentals (squamish.ca) |
| City of North Vancouver | Coach house | Can be used for family or rental; cannot be stratified (CNV coach house page) | STRs can only be operated in your principal residence, plus one additional unit (e.g., an authorized secondary suite, or a coach house) on the same property. (cnv.org) |
| District of North Vancouver | Coach house | DNV has its own guide + variance pathway if you don’t comply (DNV guide) | STRs can only be operated in your principal residence, plus one additional unit (e.g., an authorized secondary suite, or a coach house) on the same property. |
| Gibsons | Garden suite | ≤ 14% of lot area, to max 90 m²; second storey limits apply (Garden Suite Guide) | Gibsons has a Residential Guest Accommodation program + licensing (gibsons.ca) |
VancouverLaneway • Size + STR▾
SquamishADU • 90 m² cap▾
City of North VancouverCoach house • process▾
District of North VancouverCoach house • guide▾
Type: Coach house
Process: Guide + variance pathway if you don’t comply
STR: Principal residence + one additional unit (program rules apply).
GibsonsGarden suite • 14%▾
Quick size conversion: 90 m² × 10.7639 = 968.75 sq ft → ≈ 969 sq ft
The 6 ADU issues that cause the most stress (and how we avoid them)
If these are handled early, approvals and construction are dramatically smoother.
1Windows near property lines▾
Fire exposure rules can limit windows/doors on walls close to lot lines.
Plain-English spatial separation explainer
2Electrical capacity▾
ADUs often trigger panel/service upgrades with modern loads (heat, hot water, EV).
3Sewer connection▾
Most tie into the existing building sewer, but slope/depth can require a lift station.
4Access & disruption▾
Backyard access, staging, and crane constraints can drive timeline and cost.
5“Modular = box” myth▾
Modern modular/panelized can do real architecture — rooflines, offsets, premium cladding.
6Skipping pre-construction▾
The fastest builds come from decisions made before permit submission and fabrication.
WHY HOMEOWNERS USE NEWLINESADU
Clear early guidance makes the whole process easier
Good ADU projects depend on clear early guidance, thoughtful site planning, and a build path that fits the property.
Local construction experience since 2006
Experience with coach houses, carriage homes, prefab, panelized, and custom build paths
Practical guidance before design, permit, and construction costs start adding up
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
A simple path from idea to build
If your goal is to avoid rework, delays, and surprise costs, this sequence works well.
Step 1
Quick feasibility
A first look at likely size, placement, early red flags, and the best build approaches for the property.
Step 2
Pre-construction planning
Lock the siting strategy, servicing routes, key code constraints, and the overall direction before detailed design moves too far.
Step 3
Build with the right method
Choose the build path that fits the lot, budget, schedule, and desired level of disruption.
FAQS
Common questions homeowners ask early
Quick answers to a few of the questions homeowners ask most often.
How big can a Vancouver laneway house be? +
In Vancouver, a laneway house is limited to the lesser of 0.25 times the site area and 186 m².
How big can an ADU be in Squamish? +
In Squamish, an ADU is capped at 90 m². Where the ADU is above a garage, the total structure can be up to 180 m², with the habitable portion capped at 90 m².
Why do ADU window layouts change near the property line? +
Because spatial separation rules can limit the maximum area of glazed openings as buildings get closer to a property line. In practice, that often changes where windows and glazed doors can go.
Can I STR (Airbnb) an ADU in Squamish? +
No. Squamish states that short-term rentals are not permitted in secondary suites or coach houses / accessory dwelling units.
NEXT STEP
Not sure what may work on your lot?
Before you spend time or money on design, start with a quick reality check. We can help you understand what is likely allowed, what could get in the way, and what the best next step looks like.
Free • Remote • No obligation