Coach House & Garden Suite Construction in Richmond, BC

Coach Houses and Garden Suites in Richmond

Richmond allows at least one secondary suite and/or an accessory dwelling unit such as a coach house or granny flat per lot, and the province's Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing changes have expanded options on many lots. A detached coach house or garden suite is built as a full, code-compliant home.

Pro 1 Construction builds these around the realities of Richmond's flat, low-lying lots, where drainage and servicing often matter most, and around the City's current requirements.

Quick Answer: what Richmond allows

Richmond permits at least one secondary suite and/or accessory dwelling unit per lot, and under provincial Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing rules many lots now allow more units overall. Eligibility and unit counts depend on your lot's size and location, so confirm the rules for your property with the City of Richmond before finalizing a design.

Small-Scale Housing Rules in Richmond

According to the City of Richmond:

• Accessory dwellings: At least one secondary suite and/or accessory dwelling unit, such as a coach house or granny flat, is allowed per lot.
• Lots 280 m² or smaller: A minimum of three units may be required under the provincial Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing rules.
• Lots larger than 280 m²: A minimum of four units may be permitted; lots within 400 m of frequent transit may allow more.
• Adoption: Richmond Council adopted the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing changes on June 24, 2024.

Drainage, Servicing, and Flat-Lot Construction

Richmond's flat, low-lying terrain makes drainage and stormwater management central to a backyard build. Richmond's flat lots can simplify access, but servicing a detached suite can involve careful grading and connection routing, and protecting the existing home and yard during construction is part of the plan. Review drainage and electrical capacity early — they often shape the design and budget more than anything else.

Work With a BC Housing Licensed Residential Builder

A standalone coach house or garden suite may be considered a new home under BC's Homeowner Protection Act, which makes builder licensing and home warranty insurance part of the planning process. Pro 1 Construction is a BC Housing Licensed Residential Builder and carries 2-5-10 home warranty coverage for applicable new-home construction projects, subject to the warranty provider, policy terms, limits, and exclusions.