Laneway Home Builder in Burnaby Shares What Pre-Approvals Are Required
Building a laneway home in Burnaby is an exciting way to maximize your property’s potential, provide additional living space, or create a rental income stream. However, before breaking ground, it’s essential to navigate the necessary pre-approvals to ensure a smooth and compliant building process.
Required Pre-Approvals for Laneway Home Construction
Qualified Design Professional
Designing a laneway home involves more than just choosing the right layout and features. It requires adhering to zoning regulations, building codes, and design guidelines specific to Burnaby. To ensure your plans meet these requirements, Consulting with qualified design professional from Abstract Homes & Renovation Inc. is a smart first step.
Why work with Abstract Homes?
- Regulatory Compliance: We’ll ensure your design aligns with zoning bylaws, height restrictions, and setback requirements.
- Tree Retention Planning: If your property includes trees, your designer can incorporate tree protection into the plans.
- Streamlined Approvals: Submitting professionally prepared plans reduces the risk of delays or rejections during the approval process.
Consult With City Staff
Every property is unique, and some may have characteristics that add complexity to the approval process. Contacting Burnaby’s Development and Building Services staff early can save you time and provide clarity on specific requirements for your property.
How They Can Help:
- Regulation Guidance: City staff can advise on zoning, property setbacks, and any alternate processes that may apply.
- Timeline Planning: Learn about the estimated timelines for approval and what to expect during the process.
- Customized Advice: They can provide insights specific to your property and project.
Apply for Sewer and Water Connection Permits
Before you submit your development or building permit application, you’ll need a sewer and water connection permit. This step ensures your laneway home will have the necessary utility connections.
What You’ll Need to Apply:
- Legal Survey Plan: A certified plan prepared by a BC land surveyor.
- FortisBC Gas Servicing Diagram: Showing gas service locations.
- Fee Payment: Check the city’s fee schedule for applicable rates.
The Approval Process:
- The city reviews your application for completeness.
- You receive feedback on optimal service locations, configurations, and any pumping requirements.
- Submit final drawings based on the city’s feedback for approval.
- Once approved, pay the outstanding fees and download your permit.
Need help? Refer to the city’s Sewer and Water Permit Online Application Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Secure Street and Sidewalk Use Permits
If your construction requires temporary use of streets, sidewalks, or lanes, you’ll need to apply for specific permits. These may include:
- Construction Street Use Permit
- Temporary Street Occupancy Permit
The City of Burnaby will notify you if these permits are required, and applying early can prevent disruptions to your project timeline.
Prepare Tree Protection and Removal Documents
Burnaby places a strong emphasis on tree preservation. If your project involves work near trees or the removal of trees, you’ll need to provide detailed documentation to ensure compliance with local tree protection regulations.
You can check the required documents here. These documents will be reviewed as part of your development or building permit application.
To know the further steps after pre approval, check out here.
Abstract Homes: Trusted Laneway Home Builder in Burnaby, Vancouver, Richmond and other Surroundings
Navigating the pre-approval process for your laneway home can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Abstract Homes, we bring years of experience and expertise in building high-quality laneway homes tailored to your needs. From the initial design to securing permits and completing construction, we’re here to make your project stress-free and successful.
Let us help you turn your property into a functional and beautiful space. Contact Abstract Homes today at 604.220.5665 or email us at info@abstracthomes.com to start building your laneway home in Burnaby, Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Langley & other surroundings in Lower Mainland. Your dream home begins with us!
