More Living Space Without Building an Addition?

A 9-part series - District of North Vancouver’s new residential zoning rules.

Part 6 of 9: Could Your Garage Become Living Space?

It may sound like a small technical change, but the way the District treats garages under the new zoning rules could have some interesting implications for homeowners.

Under the new R1 and R2 framework, garage area is included in the property's floor-area calculations.

Historically, garage space often received different treatment from living space when calculating how much could be built on a lot.

Once that distinction changes, an interesting question arises:

Does the garage still need to remain a garage?

In some circumstances, an existing garage may potentially be converted into living space, provided the property can still satisfy its parking requirements and the renovation meets applicable Building Code and permitting requirements.

That could create options for an office, bedroom, family room, accessible living area or other useful space.

What does this mean for my property?

Before assuming you need to build an addition to gain more usable space, it may be worth looking at what you already have.

An attached garage occupying valuable square footage could potentially have more utility as part of the home.

But garage conversions are very property specific.

Parking requirements still matter. Structural work may be required. Ceiling heights, insulation, windows, fire separation and other Building Code considerations could all come into play.

So this is not simply a matter of putting down flooring and replacing the garage door.

Still, for some homeowners it creates another reason to rethink how an existing property might work before assuming redevelopment is necessary.

Next week, we'll look at another change that could affect the way new homes sit on their lots.

Next week: Your Front Yard May Have More Potential Than You Think.

This article is a general summary and is not intended as legal or planning advice. Property-specific requirements should always be confirmed with the District of North Vancouver.