New Laneway proposals, you know, proposed

Jake Fry and the folks at SmallWorks were kind enough to send along the new regulations and guidelines that Vancouver City Council is considering.

Like us, Jake sees this as part of the evolution of laneway living in the city.

The regulations will be discussed at a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 11, at 6 pm at Vancouver City Hall.

According to Smallworks, the proposed changes are:

Increasing the permitted floor area to .16 times the lot area, to a
maximum of 900 square feet;

Allowing an additional 40 square feet for storage space (either for
closet space or a separate storage room, e.g. for bike storage);
Increasing the permitted footprint of a one storey home by allowing it
to extend into the rear yard up to 6 feet so that all floor area can
be built at grade;

Continuing to require a 16 foot separation between a LWH and the main
house to maintain backyard open space;

Limiting the height of one storey units to the maximum allowed for a
garage (12 to 15 feet depending on roof form);

Allowing a 2 foot side yard on one side;

Allowing a 5 percent increase in site coverage (area that buildings
can occupy on a site) to a maximum of 45 percent.

DH and I are planning to attend the meeting — it looks like a great way to learn more about our city and its processes, plus connect with other laneway lovers.