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1. What is a Secondary Dwelling?

A Secondary Dwelling is a separate, independent dwelling unit located on the same site as a principal dwelling. In most cases, only one secondary dwelling unit may be permitted in conjunction with a principal dwelling on a site. Additionally, there are several different kinds of secondary dwellings including: 

1. Farmhand Dwelling;
2. Garage Suite;
3. Garden Suite;
4. Secondary Suite; and
5. Temporary Construction Dwelling.

For more information on Secondary Dwellings, please see the applicable Zoning Bylaw found here.

2. What is a Garage Suite?

A Garage Suite is a type of secondary residential dwelling unit that is attached to a detached garage or other permitted accessory building. A garage suite may be located within, attached to or above the permitted accessory building, and must conform with the secondary dwelling, garage suite, and all other requirements of the applicable Zoning Bylaw found here.

The minimum floor area of a garage suite is 375ft² (34.8m²), while the maximum floor area is 1200ft² (111.5m²). This area is the enclosed space for the dwelling and does not include the area of the remaining portion of the accessory building, as the garage suite can equal up to 80% of the total gross area of the accessory structure. Mechanical rooms and common areas or egress shared with the accessory building or structure are also excluded from the floor area calculation of the garage suite.

3. What is a Secondary Suite?

A Secondary Suite is a type of secondary dwelling that consists of a separate, independent dwelling unit located within a principal single detached dwelling. The Secondary Suite is to be developed as contained within the primary dwelling and not to appear as a second adjoined principal dwelling. Additionally, a Secondary Suite requires the principal dwelling (the part of the dwelling which is the primary living space and not the secondary suite) to be occupied by the owner of the dwelling.

For additional information regarding Secondary Suites or Secondary Dwelling Units, please see the applicable Zoning Bylaw here and search Secondary Dwellings.

4. What is a Garden Suite?

A Garden Suite is a type of Secondary Dwelling which can be a single-unit dwelling, mobile home, or modular home, and is temporarily located within the yard site of an existing principal dwelling. A Garden Suite is intended to provide temporary accommodation for a specific person or persons who are physically dependent on the residents of the existing principal dwelling or to provide accommodations for a caregiver of whom a specific person or persons residing in the existing residential dwelling unit is physically dependent. For more information regarding Garden Suites, please contact the Planning Department, or review the applicable Zoning Bylaw found here.