• Home
  • Secondary Dwelling Units

Secondary Dwelling Units

Open House

Thank you to everyone that attended the Open House at the Red Barn July 6, 2023! See the Recap, here.

A big shout out to our guest presenters, who took time out of their busy schedules to share their knowledge and experience with the community:

Missed the Open House? 

FAQ

  • Q: Can I finance a secondary dwelling on my property? A: Yes. Mortgage financing is available, however, we need to determine if there is an existing mortgage and how much equity in the property exists.
  • Q: Can the income I generate from a secondary dwelling be used to qualify for a mortgage? A: Yes, if there is a long-term rental agreement in place or fair market rent assessment complete. Unfortunately, short term rental arrangements do not qualify.
  • Q: Can I use equity in my home in lieu of a down payment? A. Yes.

A Coach House is a Secondary Dwelling that is part of an Accessory Building like a garage. It can be above the garage or at ground level.

The Secondary Dwelling can be up to 40% of the Floor Area of the Principle Dwelling Unit (Single Unit Dwelling or Duplex Unit).

  • ie. 140 sqm Principle Dwelling = 55 sqm Secondary Dwelling (1500 sf & 600 sf)

An Accessory Building, such as a Coach House can be up to 100 sqm in Floor Area, including the garage portion.

  • ie. 55 sqm secondary dwelling + 45 sqm garage = 100 sqm Total Floor Area (600 sf + 484 sf = 1,084 sf Total Floor Area)
  • approx. 24 ft x 20 ft double garage

A Coach House can be up to 8m in height.

 

Loading video...

A Garden Suite is a Secondary Dwelling that is a stand-alone Accessory Building. It is not combined with other accessory buildings.

A Garden Suite can be up to 6 m in height and up to 40% of the Floor Area of the Principle Dwelling Unit (Single Unit Dwelling or Duplex Unit).

  • ie. 140 sqm Principle Dwelling = 55 sqm Secondary Dwelling (1500 sf & 600 sf)

 

Loading video...

A Secondary Suite is a Secondary Dwelling that is part of or attached to a Principle Dwelling Unit. It can be above, at ground, or below ground level, depending on the flood plain.

The Secondary Dwelling can be up to 40% of the Floor Area of the Principle Dwelling Unit (Single Unit Dwelling or Duplex Unit).

  • ie. 140 sqm Principle Dwelling = 55 sqm Secondary Dwelling (1500 sf & 600 sf)

A Secondary Suite can be up to 10m in height and must be attached by a breezeway.

Loading video...

Secondary Dwellings are permitted in most residential zones. These are:

  • R-1
  • R-2
  • R-3
  • R-4

Please check your zoning to Learn More about which types of Secondary Dwelling are allowed. Some zones only allow for Secondary Suites or Coach Houses and Garden Suites.

The R-1 Zone allows all types and is proposed to allow up to three additional units, depending on whether or not you have a duplex. See "Did You Know" at the bottom of this page to Learn More about this initiative.

 

Check your Zoning

Need help checking your zoning? Contact us!

Phone: (250) 836 2477

Email: developmentservices@sicamous.ca

As part of the Housing Strategy development process, the District held a survey over the summer of 2022. The survey asked residents a number of questions, including questions about Secondary Dwelling Units. A House with Two Suites was the top response when asked what seemed a reasonable combination of dwellings. This was followed closely by Duplex's with secondary suites.

The Official Community Plan supports a density of 30 units/ha within Low Density Residential areas. Based on the average parcel size in our neighbourhoods, this is 4 dwellings per parcel.

The District proposes an amendment to the R-1 zone to allow a total of 4 dwelling units, where 2-3 are Secondary Dwelling Units. 

 

Learn More:

 

  • up to 3 secondary units;
  • attached, detached, or part of an accessory building;
  • only 1 of the 4 total dwellings may be used as a Sleeping Unit (Bed & Breakfast)

 

  • 1 secondary unit, per side;
  • attached, detached, or part of an accessory building;
  • only 1 unit per side may be used as a Sleeping Unit (Bed & Breakfast)