As of June 18, 2023, most properties within the District of Highlands can build one or more accessory dwelling units. The District has updated its zoning regulations and other bylaws to comply with provincial legislation, ensuring that secondary suites and accessory dwelling units provide a safe source of affordable housing in the Highlands.
An ADU is a dwelling unit that is accessory to a principal dwelling unit (main home).
It can either be within the main home such as a secondary suite or basement suite, or it can be within a separate accessory building, such as above a garage or a garden suite.
To build and rent a dwelling unit on a property, the owner must live in either the principal dwelling unit or the ADU.
What does zoning allow?
The Zoning Bylaw allows one ADU in addition to the principal dwelling unit per lot in most zones.
One ADU per Lot
Zone
Approximate Location
Zone
Approximate Location
RR1
Middle Highlands
R2
Old Mossy Rd, Hazlitt Creek Rd, & end of Millstream Rd
RR2
East Highlands
R3
Lost Lake Rd, Finlayson Arm Rd, & Millstream Rd
RR2A
East Highlands
R3A
Millstream Rd
RR3
Part of Munn Rd & around Fork Lake
R3B
Finlayson Arm Rd
RR4
Highlands Estates
R3C
Compton Rd
RR5
Stewart Mountain Rd
R3D
Millstream Road
RR7
River Rd
R4
Munn Rd
RR8
River Rd
R5
Munn Rd
RR13
Hanington Creek Estates
R6
Finlayson Arm Rd
RR14
Lorimer Place
R7
Millstream Rd
RR15
Munn Rd
R8
Millstream Rd
RR16
Munn Rd
GB1
Middle Highlands
R1
Martlett Rd, Millstream Rd, Millstream Lake Rd & Ross Durrance Rd
GB2
Throughout Highlands
Up to 3 ADUs are permitted in addition to the principal dwelling unit in the CD2 Zone.
The ADU can either be contained in a new or existing house (e.g., secondary suite, basement suite) or can be contained in a separate accessory building (e.g., garage suite, garden suite).
One additional parking space is required for the ADU.
The ADU must be 90m2 or less.
The property owner must have as their principal residence either the main house or the ADU.
The ADU cannot be used for a home-based business.
The ADU cannot be subdivided from the principal home. To assure this, you (through a lawyer or notary) will need to register a Land Title Act section 219 covenant that is available directly through the Land Titles Office as standard charge terms ST240002 on the title of the property giving it priority over any financial charges (such as a mortgage) prior to the building permit application. This covenant is not required for properties zoned CD2. Copy of covenant.
Siting and setbacks of the ADU must match the individual zone’s siting and setbacks depending on whether the ADU is in the principal house or in an accessory building. If this is not possible, you may request a variance to the siting requirements through a Development Variance Permit application (web link: Development Variance Permit application form).
What does the Building Code allow?
The BC Building Code has different requirements for dwelling units situated within another building versus stand-alone dwelling units.
For the safety of the occupants and community, all Building Code requirements must be met, and an Occupancy Permit is required for the ADU.
Sewage Disposal filing from Health Authority or letter from Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP)
Health Authority approval for water system for accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
Copy of a recent (last 30 days) Certificate of Title including all covenants, easements, statutory right of ways, etc. This needs to show that the Land Title Act section 219 Covenant is registered on the title of the property (for no subdivision of ADU) - Land Title Charge reference ST240002.
Contact the District to ensure your unit complies with zoning and BC Building Code requirements. You will also have to comply with the BC Drinking Water Protection Act and the BC Sewerage System Regulation.
Where can I find information on drinking water and well requirements?
Can I have more than one additional dwelling unit on my property?
Only the CD2 (Rivers Crossing area) and the GB1A (one property on Millstream Lake Road) zones allow more than one ADU per lot. CD2 allows up to 3 ADUs per parcel. GB1A allows 4 principal dwelling units and one ADU associated with each.
I am about to construct a new house. How do I incorporate a secondary suite?
Work with your designer to ensure that the suite complies with all zoning and Building Code regulations.
I would like to add an ADU to an existing building. What do I do?
Obtain a building permit before beginning any demolition or construction to ensure that all zoning and Building Code requirements are met. You must also ensure that your potable water and sewer systems comply with the BC Drinking Water Protection Act, and BC Sewerage System Regulation.
Do I address an ADU separately from my house?
No. An ADU and the primary house remain a single real estate entity and as such share the same address.
