Accessory Dwelling Units and Secondary Suites

Adoption of Bylaw

On September 28, 2023, the FVRD Board adopted a bylaw to implement Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Secondary Suites (SSs) into the Zoning Bylaw. The implementation of ADUs and SSs is an EA-wide initiative* and a practical way for the FVRD to use its land use authority to support increased housing options for those who struggle to find adequate, affordable housing. Implementation of ADUs and SSs is also one of the recommendations of the 2021 FVRD Electoral Area Housing Needs Report.

The proposed zoning amendments are mainly consistent with the previously endorsed Secondary Dwellings in the Electoral Areas policy with a few revisions outlined in the January Corporate Report. The effect of the zoning bylaw amendment will be to:

• Allow accessory residential dwellings on all rural and residential parcels that have a parcel size:
  • 0.5 ha (1.23 acres) and greater with connection to a community water system; and,
  • 1.0 ha (2.47 acres) and greater in lot area.
• Restrict the size of ADUs based on parcel size; and,
• Establish a maximum setback distance between the principal dwelling unit and the ADU.

Property owners could construct ADUs or SSs without any other approvals besides a building permit and a development permit (where required) for rural and residential parcels that meet the minimum level of service threshold.

*Please note that Electoral Areas E and F have been excluded from the implementation of ADUs and SSs. Please review the April Corporate Report for details.

Public Hearing

The public hearing for the bylaw was held on June 20, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.