Secondary suite allowances vary by municipality
VICTORIA
Secondary suites are permitted within single family dwellings in most zones of the city, but are not permitted in small-lot zones. Secondary suites must be built with all required building permits, and are subject to size restrictions and limits on the amount of exterior changes that may occur before and after their construction.
Victoria also just approved a “garden suite” policy. (Garden suites are small, ground-floor units located in the rear yard of a single family dwelling.)
Eligible locations for a garden suite in Victoria include all properties that contain only a single family detached dwelling and are appropriately zoned.
The proposal must meet all requirements of the garden suite policy and should incorporate the design guidelines contained in the policy. Properties that already have secondary suites are not eligible.
ESQUIMALT
Secondary suites are permitted in a number of single family zones, including RS-1, RS-2, RS-3 and RS-5. Secondary suites are permitted only within a single family residence and are not permitted in detached or accessory buildings. Maximum size for a secondary suite is approximately 970 square feet, or 40 per cent of the total floor area of the principal residence (whichever is less - a size restriction set by the B.C. Building Code).
VIEW ROYAL
The municipality does not permit detached secondary suites. Attached suites must be no larger than 970 sq. ft., or 40 per cent of the primary home’s floor area. The suite must be on a property no smaller than 7,000 square feet.
OAK BAY
Secondary suites are not permitted.
SAANICH
Secondary suites are allowed in a designated pilot area, south of McKenzie Avenue, in single-family use zones only. The suite must be within the house - not in a carriage house or connected by a breezeway - and only one is allowed per house.
NORTH SAANICH
Allowed in the southeast quadrant of North Saanich, subject to receiving a permit and complying with the building code. The suite must be within the house, and not in an accessory building.
CENTRAL SAANICH
Central Saanich has allowed secondary suites since 2006, on certain lot sizes.
Over the years, the bylaw has changed. Now, suites are allowed throughout the municipality and the owner does not have to live in the home.
SIDNEY
Sidney has allowed suites since 1996 in single family homes throughout much of the town. They are only allowed in homes over 4,951 square feet, and they are not permitted on small lot single family homes or in duplexes.
Proposed changes to the suite bylaw, still being considered by council, include allowing suites in townhouses, row houses and apartment buildings.
As well, carriage houses may be allowed in an area of town where the layout includes lanes.
SOOKE
Attached secondary suites are permitted in all rural and single-family residential zones as well as several comprehensive development zones with just a few areas restricted to minimum lot sizes of 5,900 square feet. Suites must be between 430 square feet and 970 square feet, and cannot exceed 40 per cent of the home’s entire floor space. Detached secondary suites have no minimum size requirements and cannot be larger than 970 square feet.
METCHOSIN
The municipality permits attached secondary suites that are no larger than 970 square feet or 40 per cent of the home. Council is considering allowing detached secondary suites no larger than 753 square feet on lots 0.8 hectares in size or larger.
COLWOOD
Secondary suites are permitted in the majority of residential and mixed-use zones. Attached suites are limited to 970 square feet, and detached suites, 645 square feet. Neither can exceed 40 per cent of the primary home’s floor space.
LANGFORD
Attached secondary suites are permitted in most residential zones, but detached suites are retricted to comprehensive zoning in a few specific developments, such as Westhills and Valley View. Detached suites must be built above garages, which provide parking for the unit. Secondary suites must not exceed 970 square feet and must be built on lots no smaller than 5,920 square feet.
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