Secondary Suite & Accessory Dwelling Floor Area Update

Background

Under the Electoral Area Zoning Bylaws, the maximum floor area currently permitted for a secondary suite and an accessory dwelling is generally limited to 90.0 m2 (NOTE: an exception is provided in some zones for accessory dwellings to have a larger floor area if the overall number of accessory dwelling units is reduced).

This floor area allowance is based on a regulation that was previously contained within the BC Building Code that limited the maximum size of a secondary suite to 90.0 m2 or 40% of the floor area of the dwelling unit, but was removed from the Building Code following provincial amendments in December of 2019.

In announcing these changes, the province stated that “allowing the construction of more secondary suites in more building types helps create more housing units while providing an acceptable level of health and fire safety to occupants. Secondary suites also help provide more affordable housing options, and by making more efficient use of land and infrastructure, they support community vitality and sustainability.”

At its meeting of September 3, 2020, the Regional District Board accepted the Okanagan Falls 2020 Economic Development and Recovery Plan as a guiding document.  This plan included, amongst other things, the following “Action Item” (1.3):

Complete a review of zoning regulations in Okanagan Falls to ensure that single family residential lots have the flexibility to construct a carriage home or a secondary suite suitable for young families (i.e. review of maximum floor area and number of bedrooms).

At its meeting of October 15, 2020, the Planning and Development Committee of the Regional District Board resolved "THAT the maximum floor area of a secondary suite and accessory dwelling be set at 125.0 m2 in the Draft South Okanagan Electoral Area Zoning Bylaw No. 2800."

It is now being proposed that these changes move forward separate from Draft Zoning Bylaw No. 2800 due to on-going queries from the public regarding the timing of the change as well as active compliance issues.

Amendment Bylaw Status

Draft DocumentsPublic ConsultationRegional District Board Consideration

Draft Amendment Bylaw:

Amendment Bylaw No. 2932

(version - 2021-05-18)

 

 

 

Superseded Versions:

Amendment Bylaw No. 2932

(version - 2021-05-07)

Public Hearing:

Date: Thursday, July 8, 2021

Time: 9:00 a.am

Location: https://rdos.webex.com

Meeting number: 187 210 8651

Password: RD@S

Toll Free: 1-833-311-4101

Notice of Public Hearing

Instructions on participating in and attending 
electronic public hearings can be viewed here: 
Public Hearings

 

Feedback Form

 

Planning & Development Committee

Administrative Report

Minutes (2020-10-15) 

 

Bylaw Introduction (1st & 2nd reading):

Administrative Report

Amendment Bylaw

Representations

Minutes (2021-06-03)

 

Public Hearing:

Report (2021-07-08)

Representations

 

3rd Reading:

Administrative Report

Amendment Bylaw No. 2932

Representations

Minutes (2021-07-08)

 

Adoption:

Administrative Report

Amendment Bylaw No. 2932

Minutes (2021-07-22)