Ultimately, reducing identified barriers has the potential to increase in the supply of accessory suites thereby increasing the housing choices available within Airdrie. This also serves to meet the growing demand of residents interested in these types of housing options.
Project Description
After considering Council feedback, public engagement and information gathered through research and consultation, Administration presented recommended changes to the Accessory Suites regulations contained in Land Use Bylaw B-01/2016 to Council on December 17, 2024, where Bylaw No. B-30/2024 was approved by Council.
These changes aim to make it easier for homeowners to add extra living spaces, while ensuring neighbourhoods have clear rules and adequate parking. See the proposed bylaw at www.airdrie.ca/accessorysuites
Notable changes include:
Previous Regulations. Accessory suites were restricted to Single Detached Dwellings
New Regulations. Now include Semi-detached Dwellings.
Previous regulations. Parking requirements were based on the number of bedrooms.
New Regulations. Standardized to 1 stall per suite, regardless of suite type. (Note the principal dwelling continues to require 2 stalls. This means a total of 3 parking stalls would be required for a dwelling with an accessory suite.)
Previous regulations. Larger minimum lot dimensions were required for all suite types
New regulations. Lot size requirements reduced:
- Secondary Suites: No minimum dimensions.
- Garden Suites: Reduced to 360m² area and 11.0m width.
- Garage Suites: Reduced to 260m² area and 11.0m width.
Previous regulations. Accessory suites often listed as Discretionary Use.
New regulations. Shifted to Permitted Use in many districts. Exceptions for specific conditions such as semi-detached housing and lots located in cul-de-sacs, which will be Discretionary Use.
Previous regulations. Restrictive entry placement (e.g., side or rear for Secondary Suites).
New regulations. Broader options for entries, including front entries and shared common indoor landings.
Previous regulations. A home-based business could not be located on the same site as an accessory suite.
New regulations. Home Based Businesses may now be permitted on the same site as an Accessory Suite provided parking requirements are met.
What We Heard - June 2024
Administration presented to Council on June 18, 2024 to share the findings from the public engagement survey, the "What We Heard" report, about accessory suites. We also shared findings from our comparative research and internal coordination.
Any feedback received from Council on June 18 has also being considered for recommended updates to the Land Use Bylaw regulations. These updates were presented to Council at a public hearing for deliberation and decision on December 17,2024.
Learn more
Types of accessory suites
Types of Accessory Suites
A secondary suite is a form of accessory suite. A secondary suite is a small home located within the principal residence. It has a kitchen, bed and bathroom separate from the principal home.
A garage suite is a form of accessory suite. A garage suite is a small home above a garage or attached to it. It has its own door, separate from the vehicle entrance and has a kitchen, bed and bathroom separate from the principal home.
A garden suite is a form of accessory suite. A garden suite is a small home separate from the principal residence, usually in a backyard. It has a kitchen, bed and bathroom separate from the principal home.
About the review
Supporting the Affordable Housing Principled Action Plan passed by Council in June 2023, and in light of the increasing number of accessory suite applications received by the City, City Staff have been tasked with reviewing the regulations for accessory suites.
The review aims to identify barriers associated with creating accessory suites, and recommend updates to the regulations in the City's Land Use Bylaw to reduce those barriers in appropriate locations city-wide.
Why accessory suites?
A priority of City Council is to “offer a full range of integrated below–market housing options that will allow residents to access housing that is achievable on their income."
Many factors influence housing affordability - and the Affordable Housing Principled Action Plan identifies availability of accessory suites as a contributing factor to increase diverse housing types which in turn improves affordability of housing in the city.
Potential benefits of accessory suites include:
- Entry to home ownership
- Supplemental income for homeowners
- Diverse and inclusive housing opportunities
- Multi-generational living
- Housing for in-home care
- Affordable rental options
- Serves our local labour force
- Encourages sustainable development and growth
- Efficient use of infrastructure and land
- Aligns with urban development goals
Contact us at involve@airdrie.ca
