Can You Airbnb a Coach House in North Vancouver?
Can You Airbnb a Coach House in North Vancouver? Here’s What You Need to Know
Thinking about turning your coach house into an Airbnb in North Vancouver? You’re not alone. With new rules in place, homeowners across both the District of North Vancouver (DNV) and the City of North Vancouver (CNV) are wondering: Can I rent my coach house as a short-term rental (STR)? The answer is yes, but with important caveats.
Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or looking to add value to your property, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about STR regulations for coach houses in both DNV and CNV in 2025.
Quick Answer: Yes, You Can Airbnb Your Coach House, With Conditions
What’s Allowed in the District of North Vancouver (DNV):
- Coach houses can be rented as STRs (e.g., Airbnb or VRBO).
- You can only rent one unit per property: your principal residence or your coach house.
- The unit must be licensed and legal.
- Hosts must live on the property at least half the year.
- STRs are limited to 90-day maximum bookings.
- Maximum of 6 guests per unit.
- Annual business licence required (~$350/year).
- Must also register with the BC Provincial STR Registry.
What’s Allowed in the City of North Vancouver (CNV):
- Coach houses can be rented as STRs, even if you also rent out your main home, but only up to two STR licences per property total.
- Coach house must be legally built and properly zoned.
- You must live in your principal residence at least 183 days/year.
- 90-day booking limit per guest.
- Business licence required (starting at ~$250).
- Must register with the BC Provincial STR Registry.
What Exactly Is a Coach House?
A coach house, also known as a laneway house or carriage home, is a small, detached secondary home located on a single-family lot.
These homes offer amazing rental potential, especially in markets like North Vancouver where housing is tight, and travel demand is strong.
Turnkey Coach House Airbnb Installed in Just One Day
At NewlinesADU, we offer a turnkey coach house solution using the modern, modular aux box, a stunning, prefabricated accessory dwelling unit designed for Airbnb use.
- Fully CSA-certified and BC Building Code compliant
- Installed in just one day - no lengthy construction timelines
- Move-in ready finishes, energy-efficient, low maintenance
Whether you’re in the District or the City, we handle everything from permits to installation, giving you a beautiful, income-generating Airbnb without the hassle.
Zoning & Building Rules: Can You Even Build a Coach House?
In the District of North Vancouver:
- Coach houses are allowed on most single-family lots
- You can even have both a secondary suite and a coach house.
- Max size: ~968 sq. ft. (90 m²)
- No basements allowed in coach houses
- Owner must live on-site.
In the City of North Vancouver:
- Coach houses are permitted in RS-1 and RS-2 zones.
- Typically, you can have either a coach house OR a secondary suite, not both.
- Max size: ~968 sq. ft. (90 m²)
- Must meet strict design guidelines and have rear-yard placement.
- Off-street parking is required.
⚠️ Licensing & Compliance: Avoid Costly Mistakes
Both DNV and CNV are cracking down on illegal STRs. Operating an Airbnb without a valid business licence or listing an unpermitted unit could mean fines or deactivation from Airbnb/VRBO. Here's what to do:
✅ Apply for your municipal STR licence (fees range $250–$550).
✅ Register with the BC Provincial STR Registry
✅ Ensure your coach house is zoned correctly and built legally.
✅ Add your licence number to all listings.
✅ Follow local rules for noise, parking, safety, and occupancy.
Why This Is a Big Opportunity for Homeowners
The new rules may seem strict but they also officially open the door for North Vancouver homeowners to turn coach houses into high-earning Airbnb rentals.
If you already have a coach house or are planning to build one, this is your chance to create:
- Rental income without leaving your property
- A legal, registered Airbnb with minimal risk
- Long-term property value growth
And with Aux Box, you can skip the long wait and start earning rental income from day one.
Want a Fast, Legal Airbnb Coach House?
At NewlinesADU, we make it simple to add a modular, STR-ready coach house to your backyard, fully permitted, delivered turnkey, and installed in a day.