Garden suites

A garden suite is only allowed in land use districts where it is listed as a 'permitted use' or 'discretionary use'. Please refer to the Land Use Bylaw (LUB).

LAND USE BYLAW

If a darden suite is listed as a permitted use under the LUB, it means that the development authority must approve a development permit if it meets the provisions of the LUB.

If a garden suite is listed as a discretionary use under the LUB, it means the development authority may use discretion in deciding to approve or not approve a development permit. The development authority in making its decision may consider if the application meets the purpose and intent of the land use district, the provisions of the LUB and is compatible with the surrounding area.

Section 6.22.2 of the LUB outlines the regulations that apply to garden suites. However, there are five important regulations that determine if your property can accommodate a garden suite:

1. The land use district of the property lists a garden suite as a permitted use or discretionary use.
2. The garden suite must be proposed on the same property as a single detached dwelling (they are not allowed with a duplex, townhouse or other types of residential units).
3. The property must not already contain a bed and breakfast, child care facility, supportive housing facility, another suite, or a home business that interacts with clients at the property.
4. The property (not the house) is at least 600m² (approx. 6,500ft²) in area.
5. There must be two parking spaces provided for the main dwelling/house, plus one space per bedroom (up to a maximum of two) for the accessory suite in accordance with Section 4.4 of the LUB. All parking must be located on the property. On-street parking is not counted as parking for the purpose of a Secondary Suite application.