Accessory dwelling unit (ADU)

What is an accessory dwelling unit? 

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, self-contained home located on the same property as a primary dwelling. ADUs are sometimes called garden suites, carriage houses, or garage suites. 

ADUs must: 

  • Be detached from the primary home and on a foundation 
  • Be smaller than the primary home 
  • Include a kitchen, washroom, and living/sleeping space 

ADUs are not: 

  • Mobile homes 
  • Recreational vehicles 
  • Storage containers 

How is an ADU different from a secondary suite? 

  • ADU: a separate building, detached from the main home 
  • Secondary suite: inside or attached to the main home 

Both are self-contained homes with their own kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. 

Is my property eligible? 

To qualify for an ADU, your property must: 

  • Be in a zone that permits ADUs (check your property’s zone on the interactive map) 
  • Have an existing primary dwelling on the property 
  • Meet minimum site area and setback requirements (1.5 m – 3 m from side and rear lot lines) 
  • Meet ADU size requirements 

How many units can I have? 

An eligible property may have: 

  • One (1) ADU plus one (1) secondary suite 
  • You cannot build more than one ADU 

Can I rent out an ADU? 

Yes. In most cases, ADUs may be rented as long-term or short-term housing. ADUs cannot be strata-titled or subdivided. 

What permits will I need? 

Development permits 

Depending on your property’s location and conditions, you may need a development permit before building an ADU: 

  • Development Permit Area 2: Small-scale multi-unit residential 
    • Required if the ADU will be the third or fourth housing unit on your property. 
    • DPA-2 checklist  
  • Development Permit Area 3: Farm protection 
    • Required if your property is next to Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) or other agricultural lands. 
    • DPA-3 checklist 
  • Development Permit Area 4: Environmentally sensitive areas 
    • Required if your property includes or is next to an environmentally sensitive area, such as wetlands, riparian zones, or wildlife habitat. 
    • DPA-4 checklist 
  • Development Permit Area 5: Hazardous conditions – Steep slopes 
    • Required if your property includes a slope equal to or greater than 20%. 
    • DPA-5 checklist 

Development variances 

If the ADU does not meet zoning bylaw requirements (for example, maximum height), you must apply for a variance. 

Other permits 

Depending on your property and the work involved, you may also need additional permits: 

  • Cultural Heritage Investigation Permit (CHIP) 
    • Required if your property is located in an area with a high potential for archaeological significance. 
  • Tree cutting permit 
    • Required if you need to remove, cut, or prune trees to build your ADU.

Driveway permit 

  • Required if you plan to build a new driveway or change an existing driveway to access your ADU. 

Other requirements 

  • Parking: At least one off-street parking space must be provided 
  • Lighting: A lighted pathway must connect the parking space to the ADU entrance
  • Outdoor space: At least 20 m² of private outdoor space is required for ADU residents
  • Servicing: ADUs must connect to water and sewer services (upgrades may be required) 

Converting an existing building 

If you want to convert an existing accessory building into an ADU, see our Conversion handout (PDF) [PDF/136KB]for detailed building code requirements. 

How to apply 

Follow these steps to apply for an accessory dwelling unit: 

  1. Confirm eligibility 
    • Check your zoning using the interactive map. 
    • Review setbacks, size requirements, and other eligibility criteria. 
  1. Prepare your plans 
    • Hire a designer or registered professional to prepare drawings that show compliance with the Zoning Bylaw and BC Building Code. 
    • If you plan to convert an existing building, see the Conversion handout (PDF). 
  1. Check permit requirements 
    • Determine if you need development permits, variances, or other permits (tree cutting, driveway, CHIP). 
    • Contact the Planning Division for guidance: planning@courtenay.ca. 
    • Complete the Building Permit Application Form. 
    • Include all required drawings, site plans, and professional reports. 
  1. Pay applicable fees 
    • Application fees, Development Cost Charges (DCCs), and other applicable fees will be calculated during review. 
  1. Permit review and approval 
    • Staff will review your application for compliance with City bylaws and the BC Building Code. 
    • You may be asked to revise and resubmit if more information is required. 
  1. Start construction 
    • Once your permit is issued, construction may begin. 
    • Inspections will be required at various stages of construction. 
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