Small home rules in British Columbia

Provincial rules

Backyard suites by right

Provincial law allows backyard suites by rightUnder the province's small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) rules, local governments had to update zoning by June 30, 2024. In covered areas they must allow at least 3 units on lots of 280 m² or less, at least 4 units on larger lots, and 6 units on lots over 280 m² near frequent bus service. Province-wide, 'Secondary suites and/or accessory dwelling units are allowed... in single-family residential zones.' Each local government chooses the form, such as a laneway home, carriage house or garden suite, and sets its size and height limits. Law: Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023 (Bill 44); Bill 25 (2025) [1]

Units per lot

In municipalities over 5,000 people and in urban containment boundaries: at least 3 units on lots of 280 m² or less, at least 4 on lots over 280 m², and 6 near frequent bus service. Elsewhere, at least a secondary suite and/or one accessory dwelling unit in single-family zones. [1]

Tiny homes on wheels as a full-time home

Left to each municipalityThe BC Building Code exempts factory-built housing that complies with CSA Z240 (MH series, 'Manufactured homes') as an acceptable alternative (Division A, 1.1.1.1.(2)(g)). The Code still applies to site preparation and service connections. Factories also follow CSA A277 for certification. No provincial page found treats CSA Z240 RV units as dwellings. Regional districts (for example CVRD, TNRD and RDBN) say Z240 RV units are not recognized under the BC Building Code and cannot get a building permit. Whether an RV may be lived in is set by local zoning. [2][3]

Building code pathway

BC Codes 2024, based on the 2020 National Codes, took effect March 8, 2024. Adaptable dwelling and earthquake provisions were deferred to March 10, 2025. The BC Building Code applies everywhere except federal lands and the City of Vancouver, which has its own Building By-law. Information Bulletin B26-01 (January 28, 2026) says CSA Z240 MH homes are exempt from the BC Building Code, including its Step Code energy and emissions requirements, and that factories also follow CSA A277. Local governments enforce the Code. No provincial minimum dwelling size was found. [4][2]

Incentives and programs

• BC Secondary Suite Incentive Program (pilot)

  Closed

  A forgivable loan covering up to half of construction costs, to a maximum of $40,000, for a suite rented below market for at least 5 years. The province ended the pilot early: it stopped accepting applications after March 30, 2025, and BC Housing continues to administer committed loans. [5]

Recent changes

1. 2026Bulletin B26-01 (January 28, 2026) clarified that CSA Z240 manufactured homes are exempt from BC Building Code energy and emissions (Step Code) requirements.
2. 2025The Secondary Suite Incentive Program closed to new applications after March 30, 2025.
3. 2025Bill 25 widened the definition of 'restricted zone', including zones where a house with a secondary suite is allowed. Bylaws are due by June 30, 2026 unless an extension was granted.
4. 2024BC Building Code 2024 took effect March 8, 2024.
5. 2023Bill 44 required SSMUH zoning of 3, 4 or 6 units, with bylaws due by June 30, 2024.