WCEL > Issues > Urban Growth and Development > Smart Bylaws Guide > Part 3 > Compact Complete Communities > Garden Suites, Granny Flats and Coach Houses

Smart Bylaws Guide – Compact Complete Communities – Garden Suites, Granny Flats and Coach Houses

Secondary suites would be more popular in some neighbourhoods if they were allowed as an accessory building, unattached from the primary residence. Several municipalities allow these garden suites as an attractive way to increase density and make housing more affordable. 

Oliver 

The Town of Oliver legalized secondary suites several years ago, including secondary suites in accessory buildings. The Zoning Bylaw (Policy 5.20) allows secondary suites in accessory buildings in single family or duplex districts. 

Surrey 

As part of the zoning for the innovative East Clayton neighbourhood, Surrey is allowing coach houses in several single family zones. The Single Family Residential Coach House Zone (RF-12c, p.184, 17ai.1) is intended for single family housing on small urban lots at least 12 metres (40 feet) wide and to accommodate secondary suites and coach houses. The Single Family Residential Coach House Zone (RF-9c, p.203, 17d.1) allows single family dwellings on small urban lots with a minimum lot width of 9 metres (30 feet) with rear lanes to accommodate secondary suites and coachhouses, provided that up to one-third of the total number of lots within a subdivision may be reduced to a minimum lot width of 7.9 metres (26 feet).

Okotoks 

The Okotoks Residential Studio Suite District (R-1st, p.85) allows for low density residential development that is visually compatible with single detached development and provides for both a principal dwelling unit and a studio suite to be developed on a site.

Chilliwack

Chilliwack's R1-C (One family residential accessory) zone allows for one family residential use, accessory dwelling unit use (that may include a secondary suite, garden suite, residential conversion structure or coach house)(subject to Use Regulations and Special Regulation), boarding, urban ancillary uses, or accessory home occupation. 

For More Information

Garden Suites (CMHC)

Secondary/Garden Suites Financial Assistance Program - Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (CMHC)

Garden Suites (Home Makeover magazine September-October 2007, pp. 48-50)