GovHandbook

Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality

154 places

What the bylaws of 154 places in British Columbia say on the same question, side by side. Each cell is a short form of a fact that is sourced, quoted and checked on the place's own page.

PlaceSecondary suite allowedCoach house or garden suite allowedParking
100 Mile HouseYes, in zones that list it (A-1 to R-3)Only in ER-2 zone, with conditions1 space, in addition to main dwelling
AbbotsfordYes, one per detached house; register with CityYes, in listed zones (coach house and garden suite)1 space for the suite, plus 2 for the house
AnmoreYes, in RS-1, RS-1A, RCH, INF, RS-2 zonesYes, coach house in RS-1, RS-1A, RCH-2, INF; one per lot2 spaces per dwelling unit in RS-1 and RS-1A
ArmstrongNo zone lists it; up to 3-4 dwelling units in R.1, R.2No coach house or garden suite use; confirm with Planning1 space (1 bedroom); 2 spaces for 2 or more bedrooms
AshcroftYes, in A1, RR1, R1 and other listed zonesYes, in A1, RR1, R1 zones; one per parcel1 space, in addition to principal use
BarriereYes, in SH, CR, R and RP zonesYes, in SH, CR, R, RP zones1 space per suite
BelcarraYes, one per home in RS-1 and RM-1 to RM-3Yes, one coach house per principal residence1 space per suite, plus 2 for the house
Bowen IslandYes, one in all residential zonesYes, where zone allows; one suite in total1 space per suite, plus the dwelling's spaces
BurnabyYes, in R1, R2 and A1 districtsYes, in R1 as rear principal building1.0 space for first unit plus 0.5 each additional
Burns LakeYes, in RR1, UR, R1, R2, R3, C1, C2 zonesNo1 space per suite, plus 2 for the house
Cache CreekYes, in R1, AR1 and AR2 zonesYes, in R11 extra space per accessory dwelling unit
Campbell RiverYes, in listed zones (R-I, RM-1, RM-2, RU-1 etc.)Not named; extra dwelling on lots over 1 hectare in RU zones1 space per dwelling unit
Canal FlatsYes, in R-1, R-1A and SH zonesAppears allowed in SH zone; confirm with Village1 extra space per accessory dwelling unit
CastlegarYes, in R1, R2, RU, CPA, RMU and C1 to C4 zonesYes, in same zones as secondary suites0.5 space per accessory dwelling unit
Central SaanichYes, in residential zones inside Urban Containment BoundaryYes, inside Urban Containment Boundary; rural: up to 90 m²1 space per secondary dwelling unit
ChetwyndYes, in AG, RU1, RU2 and R1 zonesYes, in AG, RU1, RU2, R1 zones1 space per suite (or 1 per bedroom; confirm)
ChilliwackYes, where the zone permits an accessory dwelling unitYes, where zone permits, with minimum lot area1 space per suite, any number of bedrooms
ClearwaterYes, in zones that expressly allow itOnly in RL-1 zone, lots over 2 ha, not in ALR1 space per suite, plus 2 for the main dwelling
ClintonYes, in R1, R2, R4, A1 and A2 zonesYes, in R1, R2, R4, A1, A2 zones, accessory building only1 space per suite, plus the main house
ColdstreamYes, in A1, A2, R1 to R4, R99 zonesYes in R1; R2 to R4 lots 1 ha+; A1 lots 4 ha+1 space per suite, plus 2 for the house
ColwoodYes, in all zones unless the bylaw says otherwiseYes, garden suites in all zones, with approval1 space per suite, plus 2 for the house
ComoxYes, in all four low-density residential zonesYes, in four low-density zones, except Map 9-1 area in R-CL1.0 space per suite, plus the principal dwelling
CoquitlamYes, counts toward zone's dwelling unit limitYes, in R zones; RS-2 inside house only1 space per accessory unit (RS-2, A-3)
CourtenayYes, in zones that list itYes, one per property in zones that list it1 space per accessory dwelling unit
CranbrookYes, in RT, R-1, R-3, R-4, R-7 zonesYes, in R-1 and R-7 zones1 space per suite, plus 2 for the primary dwelling
CrestonYes, in AG, R1 and R5 zonesYes, in R1, R5, AG zones1 extra space per accessory dwelling unit
CumberlandYes, in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-RTMU and R-MUNot named; detached units in R-2, R-3, max 90.0 m²1.0 space per suite, plus the principal dwelling
Daajing GiidsYes, in LR, RR, MFR, RO, C1 and C2 zonesNot confirmed1 space per suite
Dawson CreekYes, in RS-1 to RS-3, RM-1, RM-2, A, CD zonesYes, in RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RM-1, RM-2, RMH-1 and others1 space per bedroom, up to 2, plus main dwelling
DeltaYes, one per dwelling; not in an atticYes, max two detached suites per lot1 space per suite (none for 33 m² or less)
District of North VancouverYes, in R1, R2 and RS zones; one per lotYes in R2, one per lot; not listed in R11 more space than the house's 2 (3 in total)
DuncanYes, in Low Density Residential zonesYes, in LDR zone; one per dwelling1 space per dwelling unit
ElkfordYes, in R-1, R-2, R-5, R-MH, A-1 and LH zonesYes in R-1, R-5, R-MH, LH; not R-2 or A-11.0 space per dwelling unit
EnderbyYes, in R.1, R.1-A, R.2 and C.R. zonesYes, in R.1, R.1-A, R.2, Country Residential; rear only1 space per attached or detached suite
EsquimaltYes, in zones that expressly permit itYes, only in RS-5, RS-6, RD-4, CD No. 1371.0 space per suite, plus the house's space
FernieYes, in R-SS and RR zonesYes in R-SS, within 3 or 4 units per parcel1 space per secondary unit (unclear; confirm)
Fort St JamesYes, in R1, R4, RR1, RR1A, RR2, RR3 (not R2, R3)Garden suites in RR1, RR2, RR3 onlyNot confirmed
Fort St. JohnYes, in zones that list it (A-1, R-1, R-2 etc.)Yes, in zones listing it, in accessory building1 space per bedroom, plus principal dwelling
Fraser LakeYes, in A1, R1 and R2 zonesYes, in A1, R1, R2 zones1 space per suite, plus 2 for the house
FruitvaleYes, in RLP 1, RR1, RU1 and RU2 zonesMaybe, in RLP 1, RR1, RU1 zones; one per lot2 spaces per suite, plus principal dwelling
GibsonsTerm not used; up to 3 to 4 dwelling units in RL-1, RL-2Not named; within dwelling-unit limit of 3 or 42 spaces for 1 or 2 units; 3 for 3 or 4 units
Gold RiverYes, in CD1; one accessory unit in R-L and R-RNot named; one accessory dwelling unit in R-L and R-R2 spaces per unit; no separate suite rule
GoldenYes, in R1S, R1D, R2, R2A, R3, R5 and C5Yes, in zones listing it, lot at least 600 m²1 space for suite, plus 2 for the house
Grand ForksYes, on every parcel allowing a single-family dwellingYes, garden suite in R-1, R-2, NC, TC zones1 space per unit of 90 m² or less; 2 if larger
GranisleYes, in single family dwellingsUnclear; not stated if detachedNot confirmed
GreenwoodYes, in R1 and R1A zonesYes, carriage house in R1 only2 spaces per suite (2 may be in tandem)
Harrison Hot SpringsOnly in R-2 zone (suite or coach house, not both)Yes, in R-2 zone only, with community sewer and water1 space per suite, plus main use
HazeltonYes, in R, RR and RC zonesYes, in R, RR, RC zones; one per lot, max 90 m²Not confirmed
HighlandsYes, in most zones; one per lotYes, in same zones; counts as the one ADU1 extra space for the ADU
HopeYes, in RS-1 and rural zones L-1, AG-1, RU-1, CR-1Yes, in RS-1 and rural zones, with limits1 space per dwelling unit
HoustonYes, in R1, A1, A2, C3 and R3 zonesYes, carriage house in R1, A1, A21 space per suite, plus 2 for the house
Hudson's HopeYes, in RU1 to RU3, R1, R1A, R1B and R2 zonesYes, in same zones; not with a secondary suite1 space per suite
InvermereYes, in R-1, R-2, R-2S, RM-2 and other listed zonesYes, in accessory building, if conditions met1 space per suite, plus the dwelling's own
KamloopsYes, in R5 to R8, CR1 to CR3 and A1 zonesYes, with Intensive Residential Development Permit1 space per suite (none on some permit streets)
KasloYes, in R-1, RM-1, C-2 and C-3 zonesYes, carriage house in R-1, RM-1, C-2, C-31.0 space per dwelling unit
KelownaDepends on the zoneYes, carriage house where zoning permitsNo rate given; show suite parking on site plan
KentYes, in RS1 and A zonesYes in RS1; one detached unit in A, A1, RR2, RR31 space per suite, plus the main residence
KeremeosYes, in RS1, AG and AGX zonesYes, in RS1, AG, AGX; max 100 m²1 space per suite, plus the house
KimberleyYes, in listed zones (RL, RS, RSMH etc.)Not named; accessory dwelling unit allowed in listed zones1 space per dwelling unit (no separate suite rate)
KitimatOnly where a zone allows two dwelling units on a lotOnly on listed sites in certain zones3 spaces per lot in R2-A zone
LadysmithYes, in zones that list it (RU-1, R-1, R-2 etc.)Yes, coach house in zones that list it1 space per dwelling unit; tandem allowed
Lake CountryYes, in zones that list it (RU1, RU2, RR1, A1 etc.)Yes, accessory suite in zones that list it1 space per suite, plus the main dwelling
Lake CowichanYes, in R-1 to R-6 (conditions apply)Yes, in R-1, R-2, R-3; one per lot1 space per suite, plus 2 for the house
LangfordYes, as accessory to a one-family dwellingYes, where Part 6 permits; not in City Centre1 extra space, not in tandem
Langley CityYes, in R1 zone; owner must live on lotYes, in R1 zone; owner must live on lot1 extra space, plus 2 for the house (table differs)
LantzvilleYes, in residential zones R1 to R6 and othersYes, carriage house on parcel of at least 1,300 m²1 space per bedroom
LillooetYes, in ALR, AG, RR, SR, R-1 and R-2 zonesYes, accessory dwelling in ALR, AG, RR, SR, R-1, R-2, RM, MC1 space per suite, not in tandem
Lions BayYes, in RS-1 zoneOnly cottage in RS-1, parcels 1,000 m²+, with covenant3 spaces with a suite (2 without)
Logan LakeOnly in R1S zone (rezoning needed)No2 spaces per suite
LumbyYes, one inside a single family dwellingYes, one per lot in R.1, R.2, R.7, SH, CR zones1 space per suite, not in tandem
LyttonNot confirmedYes, where accessory suite allowed; not on lot under 280 m²1 extra space, plus the house's
MackenzieYes, in A1, A2, RR1, RR2, R1 and R2 zonesYes, in A1, A2, RR1, RR2, R1, R2; R1 and R2 garden only1 space, plus the dwelling's spaces
Maple RidgeYes, in zones that list it (one per house)Yes, Detached Garden Suite in zones that list it1 space per suite (none in some areas)
MassetDraft bylaw only: Rural Residential, R-1 to R-3, ALRDraft bylaw: coach house on lots over 500.0 m²Draft bylaw only: 1 space per suite
MerrittYes, in AR1, R1, R3, R4, C6, R7 and R8 zonesYes, in AR1, R1, R3 zones1 space for 2 or fewer units; 0.5 each additional
MetchosinYes, in zones that list accessory dwelling unitsYes, only on lots of 0.8 ha or more2 spaces, plus 2 for the principal dwelling
MissionYes, in all A, R, RU, RR, S and UC zonesYes, in zones listed in s. 106; one per lot1 space per suite (City page says 3 with a suite)
MontroseYes, in all R1 and RD zones and RUNo, prohibited in R1 and RD zones1 space per suite, plus 2 for the main dwelling
NakuspYes, in R-1, R-2, R-3 and RU-1 zonesYes, in R-1, R-2, R-3, RU-1; single detached only1 space per unit, plus 2 for the house
NanaimoYes, in zones with a single dwelling, duplex or row houseYes, in accessory building, if lot conditions met1 space per suite (none in Area 5)
NelsonYes, in zones permitting Small-Scale ResidentialYes, laneway house in R1, R2, R3 and other zones1 space per dwelling unit
New DenverYes, in R1 (one per principal dwelling)Yes, one accessory residence in R1Not confirmed
New HazeltonYes, in R-1, R-2, R-5, C-2 and RU zonesYes, garden suite in R-1, R-2, R-5, RU zones1 space per suite, plus the dwelling's own
New WestminsterYes, in single detached, multiplex and townhouseYes in RS-1; not in RS-2 or Queensborough1 extra space for the first suite
North CowichanYes, in A4, R1-U, R2, R3, R7 and CD zonesYes, in R1-U, R2, R3, R3-S and some CD zones1 space per suite, plus the house's own
North SaanichYes, in listed zones; owner needs a permitGuest cottage in some zones; carriage house in CD-4, CD-61 extra space for the suite
North VancouverYes, in RS-1, RS-2, RT, RG, RM-1, RH-1; owner lives thereYes, one coach house in RS-1, RS-2, RT-1, RT-2, RG1 space per suite (RS/RT zones)
Northern RockiesYes, in RS, RR, RM-1, A-1 and A-2 zonesYes, one per parcel in RR, RS, RM, A-1, A-2 zones1 space per suite
Oak BayYes, in all residential zones allowing single-family homesYes, in R-1 and other listed zonesNo extra parking; 1 space per unit (2 in all)
OliverUnclear: OCP supports; zoning bylaw not readUnclear; OCP supports carriage homes, zoning not readNot confirmed
OsoyoosYes, in RS1 and AG zonesYes, accessory dwelling in RS1, AG and other zones1 space per suite, plus the house
ParksvilleYes, in zones that list it (RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, A-1)Carriage house named only for A-1 land in ALR1 space per suite
PeachlandYes, in A1, A2, RR1, RR2, R1 and RM2 zonesYes, garden suite in A1, A2, RR1, RR2, R1, RM21 extra space, plus the principal dwelling's
PembertonYes, in R-1 zoneYes, carriage house above garage where zone permitsNot confirmed
PentictonYes, in FG, A, RC, R4-L, R4-S, RM1 to RM3 zonesYes, carriage house in FG, A, RC, R4-L, R4-S zonesNone required
Pitt MeadowsYes, in zones that list it (RS, R-3, R-4, R-6 etc.)Yes, garden suites in R-3, R-4, R-6, RS, RR-1 to RR-51 space per suite outside R-3, R-4, R-6
Port AlberniYes, in A1, FD, RR, R and C9 zonesYes, in RR and R zones1 extra space, plus the house's standard
Port ClementsYes, one per parcel in R-1, R-2 and A-1 zonesYes, in R-1, R-2, C-1, C-2 on municipal sewer1 space per suite
Port CoquitlamYes, in RS1 to RS4 and A zonesYes, in RS1 to RS4 zones without duplex or triplex1 space per dwelling unit, up to 3 total
Port EdwardYes, in A1, A2, R1 and R2 zonesNo1 space per suite; house needs 2
Port HardyYes, in R-1, R-2, RR-1, GH-1 and R-1s zonesYes, carriage homes in R-1, R-2, RR-1, GH-1; not R-1s1 space per suite
Port McNeillYes, in R-1, R-2, R-4 and CD-1 zonesOnly cottage in CD-1 zone3 spaces for a house with a suite
Port MoodyYes, one in a single detached home or duplexYes, in single detached zones such as RS11 extra space, plus 2 for the house
Pouce CoupeYes, in A-1, R-1 and R-2 zonesYes, in A-1, R-1, C-1, C-2, M-1, P-1; not R-2Conflict: 1 extra space or 2 spaces per suite
Powell RiverYes, one in R1, R2, R3, R3A, RA1, A0, A1, CD3, CD4Yes, one carriage house per lot in listed zones1 space per dwelling unit, up to 3 per lot
Prince GeorgeYes, in AR, RS, RT, RM1 to RM8 and other zonesYes, carriage house or cottage house1 space per dwelling
Prince RupertYes, as accessory to a small-scale residential dwellingYes, garden suite; not in front yard0.25 space per unit; 1 in Parking Specified Area
PrincetonYes, in FG, RC, RS1, RS2, RD, RM2, RM3 zonesYes, carriage house in FG, RC, RS1, RS2, RM21 extra space for the suite
Qualicum BeachYes, in R1, R2 and A1 to A4 zonesYes, attached or detached ancillary dwelling unit1 space per dwelling unit
QuesnelYes, in A-1, RR-1, CR-1, RS-1, RS-2, SR-1 zonesYes, in A-1, CR-1, RS-1, RS-2, RR-1 with municipal services1 extra space per suite, plus the main dwelling
Radium Hot SpringsYes, one per principal dwelling in listed zonesYes, where zone lists it; community water and sewer1 space per bedroom, up to 2
RevelstokeYes, one per principal dwelling in listed zonesYes, one carriage suite and one garden suite per dwelling1 space per unit (none under 29.0 m²)
RichmondYes, in zones that list it (RS1, RS2 etc.)Coach house in RI1, RI2, ZS12, ZS20 zones1 extra space only on arterial road lots
RosslandYes, in RR, R-1, R-3, R-GS, C-2, C-4 and CD zonesYes, in RR, R-1, R-3, R-GS, C-2, C-4 and CD zones1 space per dwelling unit
SaanichYes, in all RS, RD and A zonesYes, garden suite in zones listing it; one per lot1 extra space for the suite
SalmoYes, in R-1, RM-1 and RR-1 zonesYes, in R-1, as one accessory building1 extra space per secondary unit
Salmon ArmYes, in R-5, R-10, R-11, R-13, R-14, R-17, R-19, A zonesYes, in R-10, R-11, R-17, R-19; rural in A-1 to A-31 space per suite; house needs 2
Salt Spring IslandOnly on Schedule I map lots or ALR Agriculture 1 or 2Not as a suite; rental cottage only in listed zones1 space per suite, plus 2 for the house
SaywardYes, in R-1, R/C, R/I, RU-1 and RU-ALRNo1 space per suite, plus 2 for the house
SecheltYes, in residential and rural zones, not every propertyYes, in zones such as R1 (2,000 m²+) and R21.0 space per suite; 0.5 in SSMUH zones
SicamousYes, in R-1Yes, coach houses and garden suites in R-1As required by Schedule D
SidneyYes, in R1, R2 and R3 zones (not R4)Effectively yes, 3 or 4 dwelling units on R1 to R3 lots1 space per suite, not in tandem
SilvertonYes, in R-1, C-1 and I-1 zonesYes, in R-1, C-1, I-11 space per dwelling unit
SlocanYes, one inside a single family dwellingYes, one detached residence in R-1 and R-21 space per suite; main dwelling needs 2
SmithersYes, in A-1, LDR-1, R-6, R-7 and C-1A zonesYes, carriage house in A-1, LDR-1, R-6, R-7, C-1A1 extra space per suite, plus 2 for the house
SookeYes, in RU1 to RU5 and R1 to R3 zonesYes, small suite up to 90 m² in same zones as suites1 space per suite, plus the house's own
SpallumcheenYes, one in R.1, S.H., C.R., A.2, L.H. zonesYes, in S.H., C.R., A.2, L.H., L.H.4 on lots 2 ha or more1 space per suite
SparwoodYes, in R-1 zoneNot confirmedNot confirmed
SquamishYes, one per dwelling unitYes, one carriage house per parcelNone required
StewartYes, in R1, R2 and FD zones; one per parcelYes, in R1 and R2 zones only; one per parcel1 space per suite
SummerlandYes, in A1, A2, CR1, RU1 to RU3, RMD zonesYes, carriage house in A1, A2, CR1, RU1, RU2, RU31 extra space (3 in total with the house)
Sun PeaksYes, in RS-1, RS-1A and RT-1 (not RS-2, RM-1)Not confirmed1 space per unit, plus the main dwelling
SurreyYes, one per single family, semi-detached or duplexYes, in residential zones allowing detached houses1 space per suite (none in transit areas)
TahsisYes, in R-1, R-2, RM-1 and RU-1 zonesYes, in same zones as suitesNot confirmed
TaylorYes, one in A-1, A-2, R-1, R-2 and R-4 zonesYes, in A-1, A-2, R-1, R-2, R-4; not R-31 space, plus 2 for the main dwelling
TelkwaYes, in R1, R2, C2 and C3 zonesYes, in same zones as suites; rear yard, max 90 m²1 space per suite, plus 2 for the house
TerraceYes, in AR1, AR2, RS1 and R1 zonesYes, in AR1, AR2, R1, RS1 zones1 space per suite, plus the main dwelling
TofinoYes, in R1, R2, R4, RM2, RM3, A and RA zonesNot named; caretaker cottage up to 70 m² in some zonesNot confirmed
Township of LangleyYes, in single family, townhouse and other housingYes, coach house above garage in R-1A to R-1E, R-CL, R-21 space per suite (townhouse, semi-detached, rowhouse)
TrailYes, in R1, R3, R4, R6, C2, C6 and A1 zonesYes, in R1 and R3 zones1 space for 2 or fewer units; 0.5 each additional
Tumbler RidgeYes, one per parcel in R1, R2, R3 and RR zonesYes, in R1, R2, R3, RR; one per parcel1 extra space per suite
UclueletYes, one per lot in zones that list it (R-1, R-2 etc.)Yes, one detached ADU in zones that list it1 space per suite
ValemountYes, one per parcel in ENV, RR1, R1 and R2 zonesYes, one per legal parcel in ENV, RR1, R1, R21 space (50 m² or less); 2 spaces over 50 m²
VancouverYes, in R1-1 (houses and duplexes)Yes, laneway houses in R1-1Not confirmed
VanderhoofYes, in R-1, R-2, R-4, RS-1, RS-3, RR-1, RR-2, A-1Yes, in R-1, RS-1, RS-3, RR-1, RR-2; lots 12.0 m wide1 extra space on the parcel
VernonYes, in AGRL, AGRS, MUS, MUA and RTH zonesSome zones1.0 space per dwelling unit minimum
VictoriaYes, in residential buildings built to Building CodeYes, one garden suite per lotNone required
View RoyalYes, in A, R-1, R-2 and listed CD zonesYes, garden suites in R-1, R-1A to R-1C, R-2, some CD1 space per suite, not in tandem
WarfieldYes, in R1 and R2 zones (also R3, R3-M, RIH)Yes, in R1 and R2 zonesNone for one suite; 1 extra if more than one
West KelownaYes, in A1, RU1 to RU5, RC1 to RC3, R1 and othersYes, carriage houses in RC1, RC2, RC3, R1 and others1 space (1 bedroom); 2 spaces (2 or more)
West VancouverYes, in RS1 zone; check your zoneYes in RS1; other zones checked separatelyNot confirmed
WhistlerYes, one in zones limiting a parcel to a detached dwellingYes, in auxiliary building, in RS1, RS2, RS3, RI1, RSE11 space per unit
White RockYes, only in SSMUH residential zonesYes, in SSMUH zones where specifically permitted1 extra on-site space
Williams LakeYes, in R-1 to R-4, RR-1 and MU-1 zonesYes, in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RR-1, MU-11 space per suite

Reading this table

Each cell is a short form of the fact on that place's own page. Open the place to see the full wording, the bylaw and section it comes from, and the official text it was matched against. None set means the bylaw that was read sets no such rule. Not confirmed means it could not be established from the official sources, for example because the bylaw is posted as a scanned image.

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