City of North Vancouver
Community Development
DUPLEX DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT GUIDELINES
March 2014
City of North Vancouver
Document:
141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver,
BC 1109319-v7
V7M 1H9
Phone: 604.985.7761 | Email: info@cnv.org | www.cnv.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I – GENERAL REGULATIONS
1. Introduction
1.1. Purpose ......................................................................................................................................................1
1.2. Guiding Principles .......................................................................................................................................1
1.3. Duplex Types ..............................................................................................................................................1
2. Development Approval Process
2.1. Intent and Use of the Guidelines ................................................................................................................3
2.2. Exemptions .................................................................................................................................................3
2.3. Amendments ..............................................................................................................................................3
2.4. Application Requirements ..........................................................................................................................3
3. Neighbourhood Character and Context
3.1. Neighbourhood Context .............................................................................................................................4
3.2. Defined Character.......................................................................................................................................4
3.3. Mixed Character .........................................................................................................................................6
PART II – FORM AND CHARACTER GUIDELINES
4. Site Design
4.1. Topography ................................................................................................................................................ 7
4.2. Lot Location ................................................................................................................................................8
4.3. Landscape and Amenity Areas....................................................................................................................8
4.4. Stormwater Management ........................................................................................................................10
5. Building Scale and Massing
5.1. Height Envelope........................................................................................................................................10
5.2. Setbacks and Yards ...................................................................................................................................11
6. Building Design
6.1. Entryways .................................................................................................................................................13
6.2. Roofs and Overhangs ................................................................................................................................15
6.3. Porches, Balconies and Decks...................................................................................................................16
6.4. Dormers ....................................................................................................................................................17
6.5. Roof Decks ................................................................................................................................................18
6.6. Architectural Details .................................................................................................................................18
6.7. Exterior Materials, Textures and Colour...................................................................................................19
6.8. Livability ....................................................................................................................................................20
6.9. Energy Use ................................................................................................................................................21
7. Parking
7.1. Siting and Design ......................................................................................................................................22
Document: 1109319-v7
PART I – GENERAL REGULATIONS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose
The City designates Development Permit Areas (DPAs) to provide Council and staff with the ability to shape
development beyond what is possible through policy or zoning regulations. These Duplex Development Permit Area
Design Guidelines express the City’s expectations regarding the form and character of new duplexes and promote the
design of duplexes that enhance that character and quality of life in the City of North Vancouver. Compliance with these
guidelines is a requirement of the issuance of a Development Permit.
These guidelines support lot by lot duplex development and discourage multiple lot assemblies.
1.2 Guiding Principles
Increase housing choice:
Encourage the development of duplexes in order to expand the variety of lower density
housing choices, particularly for families with children and multi-generational families;
Enhance neighbourliness:
Ensure neighbourliness while recognizing that the new development’s siting and massing
is not intended to be the same as earlier development under RS-1(One-Unit) zoning.
Further, encourage the retention and renovation of heritage and character buildings;
Enhance livability:
Accommodate livable accessory dwelling units (secondary suites), where permitted, in
order to provide flexible rental housing choices;
Seek architectural excellence and variety:
Encourage high quality design and architectural diversity rather than prescribing any
particular architectural character;
Achieve exceptional energy performance:
Encourage the development of duplexes that minimize energy consumption and
greenhouse gas emissions through thoughtful design and building practices, as well as
participation and high energy performance achievements in standardized evaluation
programs (e.g. the EnerGuide Home Labelling Program).
1.3 Duplex Types
There are two types of duplexes typically developed in the City:


side by side duplexes; and,
front and rear duplexes.
Other formats are not common in the City, including up and down duplexes.
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Side by Side Duplexes: The design and appearance of side by side duplexes gives rise to many of the design issues these
guidelines seek to address, largely in terms of streetscape character and architectural variety. Refer to Figure 1.
Figure 1 Examples of side by side duplexes with non-symmetrical streetscapes.
Frequently encountered design concerns include “mirror image” or “flipping” of identical floor plans, without attention
to visible variation of unit identity and streetscape interest through such means as setbacks, architectural expression
and materials. These guidelines seek to dissuade these symmetrical approaches to duplex development.
Front and Rear Duplexes are generally located on narrower lots and sometimes have their own design challenges, in
these broad areas:



unit identity;
clearly defined address for and access to the rear unit; and,
use of the front yard as the “rear yard” of the street facing unit, which can sometimes mean security fencing,
play areas and the like.
Figure 2 Asymmetrical design approaches with strong individual unit identity are encouraged.
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2. DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL PROCESS
2.1 Intent and Use of the Guidelines
These guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the RT-1A (Two-Unit Residential) Zoning designation defined in the
City of North Vancouver Zoning Bylaw. These guidelines must be consulted in seeking approval for duplex development
in the Duplex Development Permit Area identified in the Official Community Plan. As well as assisting the applicant, the
guidelines will be used by City staff in the evaluation of projects.
These guidelines apply to all lots proposing duplex development within the Duplex Development Permit Area boundary
described in the City of North Vancouver Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2002, No.7425, Schedule H for the purpose of
establishing objectives for the form and character of intensive residential development.
2.2 Exemptions
Notwithstanding the designation of an area as a DPA, the Local Government Act provides that conditions may be
specified under which a development permit is not required. In the Duplex DPA, a development permit is not required in
the case of:

One-unit housing development;

A subdivision which consists of a parcel line adjustment or consolidation where no additional lots are
created;

A subdivision for park purposes;

An internal alteration (a change or extension in the interior of a building relating to any matter or thing
regulated by the B.C. Building Code);

Temporary buildings or structures that are erected either for offices for construction or marketing purposes
for a period that is not expected to exceed the duration of such construction;

Accessory buildings and structures which do not result in a change to the parking configuration;

Minor external renovations to existing buildings which do not significantly alter the footprint or exterior
character of the building;

Road or utility works or landscaping within a dedicated road right of way or strata road; and/or

Green space or trail improvements.
2.3 Amendments
A Development Permit amendment may be required for minor amendments to Development Permits already issued and
registered on title, at the discretion of the Director of Community Development.
2.4 Application Requirements
Every application for a Development Permit must be accompanied by relevant development information in the form
prescribed by the City. This information includes, but is not limited to:
1) Plans demonstrating:
a. the proposed location of all buildings and structures;
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b. the proposed siting of parking areas;
c. the extent and nature of existing and proposed landscaping, including details of trees to be maintained or
proposed to be planted;
d. the proposed exterior finish, materials, and colour of buildings and roofs;
e. the proposed locations of all exterior lighting.
2) Detailed descriptions of how the development will comply with the City’s energy performance requirements;
3) Supporting information demonstrating that neighbours have been consulted;
4) Context analysis detailing how the proposed development relates to adjacent buildings and other buildings on
the same block face;
5) A checklist indicating how the proposal complies with the Guidelines and, where some element of the design
does not comply with a Guideline, a justification describing the divergence and the reason must be provided.
3. NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARACTER AND CONTEXT
3.1 Neighbourhood Context
Areas of the City where duplexes are permitted vary in character, age and style of buildings. To enhance the visual
interest of a neighbourhood or block, it is important that the design of new and renovated buildings be compatible with
nearby buildings and the existing topography. A single building out of context can be disruptive to the overall
neighbourhood character.
Though each building will have its own unique features, proposed developments are encouraged to be responsive to
their neighbourhood context. Lot topography, size, orientation, frontage patterns, and landscaping on the block
contribute significantly to such context and an understanding of this character should be demonstrated by the applicant.
These Duplex Development Permit Guidelines call for the applicant to undertake and demonstrate a thorough context
analysis, particularly of the subject block face and immediately adjacent buildings. Where there is either heritage
character or a strongly defined existing pattern of development, these guidelines call for enhancing that form and
character through sympathetic but not identical massing, roof forms, and materials. Elsewhere, where character is
either mixed or still evolving, these guidelines provide opportunities for innovative contemporary architectural
expression.
3.2 Defined Character
On some block faces, there may be a strong existing character defined by siting, form and silhouette, roofs and other
architectural elements. On such block faces every attempt should be made to achieve a high degree of visual
compatibility with neighbouring buildings.
Areas with established strong character include:

East 10th Street between St. Andrew’s Avenue and Ridgeway Avenue— this area is within the E 10th Street
Heritage Character Area and the City’s Heritage Register;

Ridgeway Avenue (west side) 800 & 1100 blocks—strong street rhythm in two‐storey heritage buildings.
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In areas with strong established character, related guidelines should be consulted, including the Low Density Attached
Form Housing Development Guidelines Heritage Character Area Supplement for East 10th Street. Developments within
Heritage Character Areas should address material and details, colours, roof forms, windows, etc. in general accordance
with established guidelines for these areas.
Figure 3 A streetscape with a strongly defined character.
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3.3 Mixed Character
On other block faces, building forms and architectural features are more varied. In this situation an applicant has a
higher degree of design scope, and contemporary and timeless expression is encouraged. For example, the western half
of the north side of East 9th Street has a mixed character which includes a wide range of building styles and forms.
Figure 4 A streetscape with mixed character, subject to change over time.
Figure 5 An example of new mixed yet compatible streetscape character, with both contemporary and traditional expression. (UBC Endowment
Lands). Please note consistent streetscape treatment and material use as a unifying theme.
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PART II – FORM AND CHARACTER GUIDELINES
4. SITE DESIGN
4.1 Topography
Guideline 4.1.1: Significant grading or transformation of the site’s existing topography is strongly discouraged,
especially at the site boundaries
Guideline 4.1.2: Creating artificial increase in “grade” (mounding) is strongly discouraged, as is creating high (over 1 m)
side yard retaining walls. Likewise, over excavating the site to “fit” the building within the height envelope is strongly
discouraged and should be avoided. Alternative solutions should be considered.
Discussion: Design treatments to perimeter and lot line elements should respect other perimeter treatments on the
same side of the block. Abrupt changes in material, height and location is discouraged.
THIS
NOT THIS
Figure 6 Treatment on the left matches existing building; the concrete wall in the example on the right creates a high retaining wall which
contrasts with the adjacent building.
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4.2 Lot Location
Guideline: On corner lots, buildings should be designed such that the main entries to the two principal dwellings each
face a street. See Figure 7.
Discussion: Corner lots and duplexes are a hybrid of the other two models, and have the benefit of allowing the two
principal dwelling units to “turn the corner” and have individual indentities and architectural charcter.
Figure 7 Corner lots provide opportunity for units to be oriented to both streets as well as innovative architectural expression.
4.3 Landscaping and Amenity Areas
Guideline 4.3.1: Provide a minimum of 7.5 square meters (80 square feet), with a minimum dimension of 2.5 metres (8
feet), in private outdoor amenity space for each secondary suite incorporated into the building and ensure outdoor
spaces are well defined.
Guideline 4.3.2: Private open space should provide adequate distinction from common and public areas, while at the
same time providing opportunity for casual surveillance and “eyes on the street”. See Figure 8.
Guideline 4.3.3: The front yard should be highly visible from the sidewalk. Either separately or in combination, low and
slow growing hedge plant material and fences may be used, preferably for only a portion of the front yard.
Guideline 4.3.4: Low-maintenance, native plant materials are preferred, and shall include a mix of coniferous and
deciduous species.
Guideline 4.3.5: Existing natural landscaping, including significant trees, should be retained and incorporated into site
development plans when feasible.
Guideline 4.3.6: Landscaping should not inhibit solar access to basement windows, especially living spaces for secondary
suites.
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Discussion: Front yards should be treated as a front yard and not a highly privatized and enclosed rear yard. Proper site
and building design should provide adequate transitions between the public zone and the private zone of the dwelling.
See Figure 8.
Figure 8 Zone the front of the duplex to provide a clear but subtle transition from the public realm to the private realm, as well as to provide
“eyes on the street”.
Figure 9 Shared and common open and circulation spaces require special design attention, preferably from a qualified landscape designer
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4.4 Stormwater Management
Guideline 4.4.1: Incorporate low impact stormwater management techniques to meet the City’s stormwater source
control criteria, and to minimize surface runoff by:





Minimizing impervious surfaces;
Using permeable surfaces for walkways and driveways;
Including rock pits, bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs or a site source control;
Collecting rain water onsite in rain-barrels, retention ponds, or cisterns;
Or an alternative solution approved by the City Engineer.
Guideline 4.4.2: Maximize the use of topsoil or composted waste for finish grading to assist in infiltration and increase
the water holding capacity of landscaped areas.
Figure 10 Stormwater management approaches (from left to right: grasscrete paving, bioswale, rain-barrel)
5. BUILDING SCALE AND MASSING
5.1 Height Envelope
Guideline 5.1.1: Figure 11 sets out the height envelope for all duplexes in the RT-1A Zone.
Discussion: The method of calculating height is outlined in the Zoning Bylaw. A 17-foot height envelope and 33-foot
maximum height (as outlined in Figure 10) allows for compatibility with existing character streetscapes, by permitting
steeper pitched roofs with living spaces within, and providing more natural light and air to secondary suites.
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Figure 11 Height envelope for all duplexes in RT-1A Zone.
5.2 Setbacks and Yards
Guideline 5.2.1: Front yard setbacks shall be a minimum of 6.1 m (20 feet). Porches and verandahs may project up to a
maximum of 2.1 m (7 feet). Such projections shall take into consideration overlook and shadowing impacts on
immediately adjacent yards and residents.
Discussion: In the hierarchy of residential building types and densities, the duplex is close to but not identical to a single
family house. For example, the traditional single family residential front yard may also serve as a private open space for
one or more duplex units.
It is the custom in the City’s residential neighbourhoods that front yards are visually accessible to the general public,
rather than an enclosed private domain. High fences and hedges, in particular, tend to violate this core principle.
See Figure 12 and Figure 13 for siting and setback requirements.
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Figure 12 Siting and height envelope
Guideline 5.2.2: Front and rear duplexes should be set back a minimum of 2.4 m (8 ft.) from the interior sideyard for half
of the length of the principle building.
Discussion: Front and rear duplexes usually occur on narrower lots or corner lots, and require different approaches to
achieve the desired clarity of access, unit identity and privacy.
Guideline 5.2.3: In situations where there is an existing adjacent duplex with a 7.5 m (25 ft.) front yard setback, a new
duplex should have a transitional setback for at least 3.05 m (10 ft.) of its front elevation, as shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13 A transitional setback to reflect existing adjacent duplex front yards is encouraged.
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6. BUILDING DESIGN
6.1 Entryways
Entries to Principal Dwellings
Guideline 6.1.1: The site planning and design of a new duplex should take into consideration how it relates to the
adjacent existing buildings, with the goal of creating the best spatial relationship between them for mutual benefit. See
Figure 14.
Guideline 6.1.2: The location, orientation and design of front doors are important design elements. A minimum of one
principal entryway should face the street.
Figure 14 Condition “A” represents a better relationship of the proposed building with the existing building than does “B,” proving a greater
sense of space and openness.
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Guideline 6.1.3: Symmetrical approaches which do not provide individual unit identity should be avoided
(see Figure 15).
THIS
NOT THIS
Figure 15 Left, an example of an asymmetrical design approach, where each unit has a clear identity. Right, an example of a mirror-image
approach, without visible variation in the units.
Entries to Secondary Suites
Guideline 6.1.5: The opportunity is available to locate the entry to a secondary suite in a front duplex within the 2.1 m
(7 ft.) porch front yard encroachment space, integrated with the porch of the principal dwelling. See
Figure 16.
Guideline 6.1.6: The entry to a secondary suite should be a discreet element when viewed from the street.
Guideline 6.1.7: The main entry to a rear secondary suite in a front and back duplex format may be from the rear yard.
Design attention of this entry is strongly encouraged, in order to provide a desired sense of private outdoor space.
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Figure 16 The entry to a secondary suite should be visually discreet and subordinate to the entry to the principal residence.
6.2 Roofs and Overhangs
Guideline 6.2.1: In a streetscape where there is a strong and consistent character, roofs of new developments should
reflect the orientation and pitch of those roofs.
Guideline 6.2.2: In a streetscape where there is mixed character, greater latitude for architectural innovation is
encouraged.
Guideline 6.2.3: When roofs with a pitch of 7:12 or greater are employed, they should be designed to spring from the
second floor line, not the ceiling of the second floor. See Figure 17.
Guideline 6.2.4: Roof eaves, rain gutters, bay windows and other building elements may project beyond the building
face as permitted in the Zoning Bylaw.
Discussion: Often the most dominant visual elements of a lowrise building, roofs and overhangs, the design of roofs
should be a simple volume rather than composed of many separate elements and pitches. In a context with steep and
higher roofs, the roof of a proposed development will present a strongly prefered appearance to the street if it springs
from the upper floor level, rather than from the ceiling of the upper floor.
Figure 17 A pitched roof presents a strongly preferred sense of residential scale if it springs at or close to the second floor line, rather than the
ceiling of the second floor.
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Figure 18 Example of an upper storey that is partially tucked under a roof.
6.3 Porches, Balconies and Decks
Guideline 6.3.1: The total floor area of porches, decks and balconies should not exceed 10 percent of the floor area of a
duplex.
Guideline 6.3.2: In order to minimize the apparent bulk of a building, recessed and partly recessed balconies are
preferred to projecting balconies. Refer to Figure 19.
Discussion: Large projecting features like porches, balconies and decks can add visual bulk to the overall appearance of
the building. They also may create conditions that adversely impact the privacy of nearby residents. In contexts with a
defined character that includes verandahs across the entire front a building, a modest variance of this guideline may be
considered.
Figure 19 Recessed and partly recessed balconies are preferred.
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6.4 Dormers
Guideline 6.4.1: Dormers should read as secondary elements of a building’s roof. Side facing gables and dormers may
project into required front yards.
Guideline 6.4.2: A maximum of two dormers per elevation or four in total are permitted.
Guideline 6.4.3: A dormer should not exceed 2.4 m (8 feet) in length and no more than two dormers per side of a duplex
building are permitted. They should have a minimum spacing of 1.2 m (4 feet). Refer to
Figure 20.
Discussion: Dormers are intended to be subordinate building features, to bring natural light and air into habitable spaces
under pitched roofs. In the past, overly long dormers have been employed, with the result that they become the real
roof profile of a building, thereby creating a bulkier silhouette. For this reason, these guidelines preclude such dominant
building features. A maximum of two separated dormers not exceeding 2.4 m (8 feet) in length each are permissible.
Figure 20 Overly long dormers are strongly discouraged, as they trend to bulk up the scale of a building; bottom – a maximum of two dormers
not exceeding 2.4 m (8 feet) in length each and separated by a minimum of 1.2 m (4 feet) are permitted.
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6.5 Roof Decks
Guideline 6.5.1: Roof decks are generally discouraged. However, they may be considered if:




they are modest in size;
they do not project beyond the permitted height envelope;
they are architecturally integrated into the overall roof form of the development, and;
they minimize overlook into adjacent residences and yards.
Discussion: Roof decks can often increase the apparent height and massing of a development, especially if they have rain
protection, trellises or other overhead elements. This creates additional bulk and may affect views from other
residences. Further, neighbours may feel that their privacy is compromised by overlook from such decks.
Figure 21 Example of a roof deck that increases the apparent height and massing of a building. This approach is not supported.
6.6 Architectural Details
Guideline 6.6.1: Use architectural details to establish and define a building’s character and help visually unify a
neighbourhood.
Guideline 6.6.2: Windows and their treatment should contribute to the architectural character of the building and the
streetscape.
Guideline 6.6.3: Avoid the use of reflective glass, with clear or lightly tinted glass recommended.
Discussion: A building’s architectural materials, windows and details provide the finishing touches that convey a sense of
quality, or not. Such details have a signifcant impact on how a building is perceived by others and provide heightened
visual interest and richness.
Some neighbourhoods or block faces may have a recurring use of a certain detail, such as roofing material and colour,
window size, orientation (vertical or horizontal), proportions and trim, roof brackets or a particular siding material. If the
choice of windows, materials and other details has no rationale, the building will lack architectural integrity.
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6.7 Exterior Materials, Textures and Colour
Guideline 6.7.1: In contexts with strongly defined character, new projects should incorporate a similar palette of the
type, finish and quality of exterior materials of adjacent buildings.
Guideline 6.7.2: All exterior walls should be covered with durable and long-lasting materials of high quality. Ensure that
exterior materials are properly detailed and appropriately applied.
Guideline 6.7.3: Foundation walls should be clad in a manner, material and colour consistent with the rest of the
building’s exterior.
Guideline 6.7.4: Thoughtful consideration of textures and colour patette that enhance existing or emerging form and
character are encouraged. Generally, bright colours should be used only as accents or minor building features.
Guideline 6.7.5: Changes in exterior materials and colours should occur at interior rather than exterior corners, both in
the horizontal and vertical planes. See Figure 22.
Figure 22 Exterior material changes should occur at an interior rather than exterior joint or corner, in both the horizontal and vertical
orientations.
Discussion: Quality materials are encouraged on all visible surfaces as they are more durable and pleasing to the eye.
Real (not veneer) masonry, wood siding, metal panels and concrete are examples of quality exterior materials. Fake
woodlike applications like vinyl, plastic and metal siding are discouraged. Stucco in secondary and limited applications is
a supportable cladding material.
The palette of materials should be kept simple, without extreme variations. The successful use of different materials
helps to articulate a building’s facades and to differentiate adjacent units. Materials with rough textures tend not to
perform well in this cold, wet climate, they should be avoided as much as possible. Exposed concrete foundation walls
are strongly discouraged, and foundation cladding should be considered as a basic design element in the building’s
appearance.
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6.8 Livability
Guideline 6.8.1: Provide enhanced privacy and access to natural light and ventilation for both the principal residence
and secondary suites.
Guideline 6.8.2: Protect visual privacy for existing neighbouring buildings by offsetting windows on adjacent facades.
Reflected window plans should be included submissions to ensure that this is achieved. See Figure 22 (next page).
Guideline 6.8.3: Reduce the depth of light wells to habitable spaces in cellars, to improve access to natural light and air.
See Figure 24 (next page).
Guideline 6.8.4: Exterior lighting should be designed to avoid “light-spill” onto adjoining properties and from secondary
suites into the main house.
Discussion: Close attention should be paid to all aspects of unit access and livability of secondary suites. Reducing the
depth of the secondary suite into the ground is intended to improve these conditions.
Access to natural daylight and fresh air are fundamental aspects of livability. So is privacy from adjacent dwellings and
overlook. One of the main purposes for redefining the definition of cellar as well as adjusting the height envelope is to
improve these conditions for residents of secondary suites.
Figure 23 Offset windows on facing walls to minimize privacy impacts.
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Deep light wells result from habitable rooms in cellars, and have an adverse impact on provision of daylight and air to
the secondary suite.
THIS
NOT THIS
Figure 24 Security grates are used to prevent falls into light wells and further limit access to daylight. These guidelines encourage more
innovative methods to provide daylight and air to secondary suites.
6.9 Energy Use
Guideline 6.9.1: Strive to exceed City’s benchmark energy rating (as set in the Zoning Bylaw) by using high performance
building envelope components, minimizing thermal bridging and employing passive solar building strategies.
Guideline 6.9.2: Maximize the number of south facing windows to harness the sun’s energy in the winter and use
external shades to limit unwanted solar gains in the summer.
Guideline 6.9.3: Strive to increase a building’s air-tightness by air-sealing building envelope gaps and penetrations, while
ensuring indoor air quality is maintained.
Guideline 6.9.4: Consider opportunities for on-site renewable energy such as solar hot water, solar photovoltaic, solar
lighting, etc.; where it is not possible to incorporate renewable energy, ensure that the building is designed to allow onsite energy production in the future, for example, by including “solar ready” piping.
Guideline 6.9.5: Provide for adequate energy supply and infrastructure to enable future installation of electric vehicle
charging systems.
Discussion:
By using a combination of passive design strategies, including thoughtful building orientation and massing to maximize
the distribution of daylight into a building’s interior, it is possible to greatly reduce heat loss and provide a more
comfortable indoor environment. The guidelines emphasize passive approaches to reduce the reliance on mechanical
HVAC systems.
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7.0 PARKING
Guideline 7.1: A maximum of two off-street parking spaces may be provided in an enclosed garage (see Figure 25).
Guideline 7.2: The design of accessory buildings for parking should be consistent with the principal building in terms of
materials, colour and fenestration. Garage doors should not be highly contrasting with the rest of the parking strucutre
in terms of colour and style.
Guideline 7.3: Permeable material is strongly encouraged for use in unenclosed surface parking areas and carports as
well as paths.
THIS
OR THIS
NOT THIS
Figure 25 Small garages with surface parking or combined garages and carports are preferred to a single large garage.
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Discussion: Lanes have many uses and serve as the primary means of vehicular access and series to residential
properties. In some situations they can become unsightly or under-designed parts of the public realm.
Second, the lane is often a primary means of pedestrian access to some units, particularly secondary suites. Accordingly,
these guidelines recommend that a reasonable level of detail be paid to the appearance as well as the function of the
lane area of a duplex development.
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