Indoor bike parking room with upright racks, a variety of bicycles, and wall-mounted hooks in the background.

Bicycle parking retrofit for residential buildings

What you need to know

It’s now easier to convert residential parking spaces into secure bicycle storage in existing multi-unit buildings to give residents an opportunity to bike more often.

As of June 2024, minimum vehicle parking requirements have been removed citywide, making it simpler to convert off-street parking spaces to other uses.

Owners of existing residential buildings can replace car parking spaces with bicycle parking infrastructure for residents. Depending on the type of bicycle parking provided, a permit may be required. All costs are the responsibility of the building owner.

This retrofit is available for buildings constructed before 2019. New developments must meet the bicycle parking requirements of the Parking By-law.

Choose a retrofit option
Steps to apply for bicycle parking retrofit options 2 and 3
Bike racks and facility requirements

Choose a retrofit option

There are 3 retrofit options for converting residential vehicle parking into bicycle parking. The best option depends on stall layout, parkade conditions, and resident needs.

General requirements
- Applicants may replace as many residential parking spaces as needed to meet their bike parking needs.
- Visitor or accessible parking spaces cannot be converted under any retrofit option.
- Bicycle parking must not block or restrict entryways or exits.
- Each retrofit must follow Parking By-law sections 4.5.1 (a) and (b), and 6.3.10. Bike racks, mesh fences, new bike rooms, and columns are considered structures.
- For buildings built before 2019, the BC Active Transportation Design Guide can help inform retrofit choices. Newer buildings must meet current by-law (157 KB) standards.
- Partial conversions or storing anything other than bicycles in bike racks is not allowed, as outlined in the Parking By-law definitions (787 KB). Storing flammable goods is also not permitted under the Storage in Underground Parking Facilities Bulletin (217 KB).
- Bike parking spaces are ideally located at grade or P1.

Compare types of retrofit options

Option	Description	Permits required	Cost	Security
U-racks	Inverted U-rack (to store up to 5 bicycles) or similar Takes up 1 or more vehicle parking spaces.	No	Low	Basic
Bike cage	Secure parking for bicycles within a locked cage and possible electrical outlets.	Yes	Moderate to high	Enhanced
Bike room	A newly constructed room with lighting, electrical outlets, and other amenities.	Yes	Very high	Maximum

Option 1: Convert car stalls to bike parking spaces
Minimum requirement for bike retrofit

Replace a minimum of 1 residential car parking stall with up to 5 bicycle parking spaces.

No permits are required.

This is a basic bicycle parking option and does not offer additional security beyond what is already provided in the parkade and the bike lock used.

Example layout

Before and after vehicle space conversion

Select image to review a larger version of the diagram.
- Download the bike parking layout example (152 KB)
Spacing for bike parking

Select image to review a larger version of the diagram.
- Download the bike parking spacing diagram (104 KB)
The diagram shows a sample layout of bicycle parking within a standard vehicle stall. It illustrates minimum spacing:
- 60 cm width and 1.8 m length for each bicycle space
- 1.2 m aisle clearance
- 20 cm buffer from the parking line
For full installation and spacing guidelines that apply to all retrofit options, review the requirements.
Option 2: Create a basic mesh bicycle cage

Create a mesh bicycle cage in a parking garage using residential parking stalls.

This option involves installing a floor-to-ceiling metal mesh cage with a secure, lockable door for bicycle storage. Electrical outlets for e-bike charging can be added if permits are approved. To reduce fire risk, the maximum allowed rate is 1 outlet for every 2 bicycle parking spaces.

An architect, engineer, or other licensed professionals will be required to complete this work.

Download bike retrofit option 2 permits form checklist (228 KB)

Mesh bike cage layout example

Select image to review a larger version of the diagram.

Download the mesh bike cage layout example (144 KB)
Option 3: Build a dedicated bike room
This option will create a new separated bike room with upgraded fire sprinklers. This provides the highest level of service and security for residential bike parking.

An architect, engineer, or other licensed professionals will be required to complete this work.

Key features

This includes, but is not limited to:
- Solid opaque walls
- Steel entry door
- Various types of bike racks
- Electrical outlets for e-bike charging
Download bike retrofit option 3 permits form checklist (224 KB)

Dedicated bike room layout example

Select image to review a larger version of the diagram.

Download the dedicated bike room layout example (100 KB)

Steps to apply for bicycle parking retrofit options 2 and 3

Step 1: Review eligibility criteria
Step 2: Gather and provide documentation
Only retrofit options 2 and 3 requires permit application(s).

After you decide on a retrofit option:
- Complete all permit application forms and gather all required documents in the checklists
  - Download bike retrofit option 2 permits form checklist (228 KB)
  - Download bike retrofit option 3 permits form checklist (224 KB)
- Combine everything into a single PDF for submission
Step 3: Submit your application and pay fees
After gathering the necessary permit applications and completing the checklist:
- Submit your application(s) through Development and Building Services
- Pay the required fees

Bike racks and facility guidelines

The City of Vancouver is not liable for any theft or damage that occurs because of a retrofit or the choice of a bike rack.

Bike rack installation and spacing requirements

Each retrofit must follow Parking By-law sections 4.5.1 (a) and (b), and 6.3.10. Bike racks, mesh fences, new bike rooms, and columns are considered structures.

A standard bicycle space is minimum 60cm in width and 1.8m in length.

Refer to option 1 example layout as a reference.

The current by-law (157 KB) provides the standards that are required for bike parking in buildings built from 2019 onwards.
Design guidance for buildings built before 2019
For buildings built before 2019, the BC Active Transportation Guide Chapter H – Amenities + Integration can be a useful resource and guidance on bicycle rack planning and design, including:
- Installation practices
- Rack types and placement
- Material standards and durability

Get cycling information

Register your bike to reduce theft

Bicycle parking and air pumps

We install bike parking throughout Vancouver. Learn about our types of bike parking and how to request new bike parking.

Our partners

HUB Cycling has spent over 2 decades removing barriers to cycling in Metro Vancouver through education, action, research, and popular events like Go By Bike Week and Bike to Shop.

British Columbia Active Transportation Design Guide Chapter H – Amenities + Integration provides a detailed overview on end-point bicycle facilities, the type of racks that can be chosen, what to avoid, and how to install as an opportunity for guidance on bike parking.

Bicycle parking retrofit for residential buildings

What you need to know

Choose a retrofit option

General requirements

Compare types of retrofit options

Option 1: Convert car stalls to bike parking spaces

Option 2: Create a basic mesh bicycle cage

Option 3: Build a dedicated bike room

Steps to apply for bicycle parking retrofit options 2 and 3

Step 1: Review eligibility criteria

Step 2: Gather and provide documentation

Step 3: Submit your application and pay fees

Bike racks and facility guidelines

Bike rack installation and spacing requirements

Design guidance for buildings built before 2019

Get cycling information

Register your bike to reduce theft

Bicycle parking and air pumps

Our partners

Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies