How many homes can I build in Burnaby?
What BC's housing laws and Burnaby's own zones allow on house lots, counted lot by lot from public data. To check one lot, find it on the map and open its card.
What BC law requires
Under BC's Bill 44 (2023), lots zoned for houses or duplexes inside the urban containment boundary must allow at least 3 homes on lots up to 280 m², 4 homes on larger lots, and 6 homes on lots of at least 281 m² near a frequent bus stop. Under Bill 47, land near SkyTrain stations and bus exchanges is a transit-oriented area where the city can't refuse taller buildings on height or density grounds alone (up to 20 storeys right next to a SkyTrain station).
The city's own zones can allow more than this. Lots in the Agricultural Land Reserve, outside the urban boundary, or on hazard land are treated differently.
Lots in Burnaby by homes allowed
- Transit-oriented area (taller buildings)56,875 lots
- 4 homes (lots over 280 m²)16,467 lots
- 6 homes (near frequent transit)12,736 lots
- 3 homes (lots up to 280 m²)832 lots
Our estimate per lot from lot size, distance to frequent transit and SkyTrain, the urban boundary and the farmland reserve.
House lots by size
| Up to 280 m² (3,014 ft²) | 913 lots |
| 280–557 m² (3,014–6,000 ft²) | 8,381 lots |
| 557–1,000 m² (6,000–10,764 ft²) | 23,535 lots |
| Over 1,000 m² (10,764 ft²) | 5,056 lots |
Lot size decides the 3- versus 4-home threshold and, in most zones, how much floor space you can build.
What Burnaby's zones allow
| Zone | Lots | Homes allowed (city bylaw) |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | 35,426 | Up to 6 (incl. secondary suites) on lots >= 281 m2 in a Frequent Transit Network Area; otherwise up to 4 on lots >= 281 m2; rowhouse lots (<= 280 m2) up to 3 |
| R3 | 1,073 | No unit cap in the bylaw; limited by height (4 storeys base) |
| R2 | 457 | No unit cap in the bylaw; townhouse/rowhouse up to 4 storeys |
| R5 | 455 | No unit cap in the bylaw; limited by height (12 storeys base) |
| R3r | 410 | No unit cap in the bylaw; limited by height (4 storeys base); purpose-built rental only |
| R4 | 63 | No unit cap in the bylaw; limited by height (6 storeys base) |
| R4r | 1 | No unit cap in the bylaw; limited by height (6 storeys base); purpose-built rental only |
| R2r | 1 | No unit cap in the bylaw; townhouse/rowhouse up to 4 storeys; purpose-built rental only |
Zoning changes in progress
- Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026, Amendment Bylaw No. 11, 2026 (Bylaw No. 14855) - REZ 26-10, 8315 Riverbend Court first and second reading scheduled 2026-10-27
Site rezoning to add a 115 m2 mezzanine; no residential district rules change. source ↗ - Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026, Amendment Bylaw No. 5, 2026 (Bylaw No. 14846) - REZ 26-07, 5168/5180/5192 Sidley Street first and second reading 2026-08-25; later readings not verified
Site rezoning for a six-storey market rental building. source ↗ - Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026, Amendment Bylaw No. 1, 2026 (Bylaw No. 14839) - REZ 25-25, 7211 Greenford Avenue first and second reading 2026-07-28; later readings not verified
Six-storey strata building plus 27-storey rental/market tower under OCP transitional provisions. source ↗
Sources: BC Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act 2023 (Bill 44) and Bill 47; Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026, Bylaw No. 14815 (adopted 2026-06-09, in force 2026-07-01; unofficial consolidation posted 2026-07, no consolidation date stated). Replaces Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 1965 (No. 4742). ↗; ParcelMap BC; the city's open zoning data. Estimates only: confirm with Burnaby before buying or designing. Page rebuilt October 25, 2026.