Accessory Dwellings
As of July 2024, most residential properties in Castlegar can have up to four dwellings, including Accessory Dwellings (ADUs).
Development Services
What are accessory dwellings?
An accessory dwelling is a smaller, secondary home located on the same lot as the main dwelling, such as a secondary suite, basement suite, carriage house, and garden suite.
Which accessory dwelling is best for you?
Deciding which accessory dwelling is best for you depends on factors like available space, the number of existing dwellings, lot size, and your personal preferences.
Adding an accessory dwelling to your property through the building permit process offers several advantages:
- Generate additional income as a mortgage helper.
- Meet safety standards by complying with current building codes.
- May be easier to obtain insurance.
- Maintain and potentially increase the value of your home.
- Avoid potential resale complications by having an inspected and approved unit.
When deciding to add an accessory dwelling to your property, consider factors such as becoming a landlord, changes to property assessments, potential impacts on property taxes, and increased utility costs.
Learn more: gov.bc.ca/homesuitehome
The Province has commissioned digital designs free to the public that can be used by builders, designers and homeowners to build accessory dwellings.
Learn more: Standardized Housing Designs
A good resource to understand the pros and cons of each ADU type is ReHousing’s “Pick Your Project”.
Learn more: rehousing.ca/Pick-Your-Project
What are the zoning regulations?
- Use – ADUs are allowed in most zones.
- Floor area – A rule of thumb is less than half of the main house.
- Lot size – Lots over 280 square metres can have up to four dwellings, smaller lots can have up to three.
- Setbacks – Attached accessory dwellings have the same setbacks as the main house – in most zones, this is 4.5m from the front, 1.5m from the interior sides, 3m from exterior sides, and 6m from the rear. Detached accessory dwellings have the same setbacks as other accessory buildings – in most zones, this is 6m from the front, 3m from exterior side, and 1.5m from interior sides and rear lot line.
- Parcel coverage – Varies by zone but is generally 50% – this means half your lot can be covered in roof area.
- Parking – The lot must be able to accommodate one space per main house and 0.5 space per accessory dwelling.
Read the bylaw:
How do I start?
A good way to start your accessory dwelling project is by collecting some basic information about your home and property.
- Determine what your interior walls are made of: Check this by removing the faceplate of a light switch. Note how thick the materials is.
- Measure your yard: Take rough measurements from your lot line to your house or locate the survey pins at the corners of your lot.
- Know where your servicing is: Find where your servicing comes into your house and lot. Locate your electrical panel and note how many amps it is.
Design guides
There are two different design guides, one for converting existing buildings (such as a garage) and another for new construction (such as an addition). See related downloads to view the guides. The BC Building Code (BCBC) requirements listed in these guides are a summary provided as a guide. Every project is unique and there may be further BCBC requirements. Please check the BCBC, your designer, or reach out to the City’s building staff.
Learn more about building at: castlegar.ca/buildingpermits