Can I build a coach house?
DaCosta’s team of experts knows the different rules that apply when it comes to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), also known as Coach House. The main ones are explained below.
What is an ADU?
An ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling unit and is limited to a coach house, garden suite, and secondary dwelling according to the City of Chilliwack’s bylaw. Historically, secondary rental suites (ADU’s) in Chilliwack were only permitted on a limited basis, through rezoning or in comprehensive development zones making the process difficult. The City of Chilliwack has now implemented the new Secondary Suites Policy permitting the rental of secondary suites within any single family home in the City, regardless of the zone of the lot. Additional amendments have added in the inclusion of Coach Houses and Garden Suites as a permitted use within the R1-A (One Family Residential) Zone.
Secondary
Suite
A secondary suite is a self-contained dwelling located within a single detached house and has separate cooking, sleeping and bathing facilities. The Zoning Bylaw limits the size of a secondary suite to having a floor area less than 40% of the habitable floor area of the house, or no more than 90m 2, whichever is less.
Coach
House
A coach house is a residential unit located in a detached building above an ancillary use (i.e. garage, storage room, etc.). The size, height and setback requirements for a coach house can be found within the zone description applicable to the property.
Garden
Suite
A garden suite is a detached at-grade accessory dwelling unit located on the same lot as a principle residence.
Secondary
Suite
A secondary suite is a self-contained dwelling located within a single detached house and has separate cooking, sleeping and bathing facilities. The Zoning Bylaw limits the size of a secondary suite to having a floor area less than 40% of the habitable floor area of the house, or no more than 90m 2, whichever is less.
Coach
House
A coach house is a residential unit located in a detached building above an ancillary use (i.e. garage, storage room, etc.). The size, height and setback requirements for a coach house can be found within the zone description applicable to the property.
Garden
Suite
A garden suite is a detached at-grade accessory dwelling unit located on the same lot as a principle residence.
How can DaCosta Construction help?
As we have built carriage houses in the area, we know the process and have built a team around us that can help from start to finish. DaCosta Construction has strategic partnerships with architects, sub trades, and a great working relationship with the city.
With limited floor area to work with and often accessibility issues to the building site, planning is very important. Working closely with clients we can help navigate the journey through experience with previous builds – where we saw success and needed improvements. We have seen what a “poor” floor plan looks and feels like in a small space and how a great layout can make a small space feel like a big home.
Once the plans are approved and stamped by the city, we are able to complete these projects on average in 4-5 months from breaking ground until occupancy. We like to work with home owners the whole time to help navigate the building process as well as provide transparency for things like design and budget.
Benefits
- Helps with paying a mortgage by providing an additional source of income
- May help a homeowner qualify for a mortgage
- Supports aging in place by allowing older adults to share a home with family members while allowing for privacy and separate living spaces
- Allows families to stay together by providing separate living spaces for adult children
Common Challenges
- Connecting/Providing Services to Secondary Suites (water, sewer, gas)
- Parking
- Placement of Utilities in the house
Benefits
- Helps with paying a mortgage by providing an additional source of income
- May help a homeowner qualify for a mortgage
- Supports aging in place by allowing older adults to share a home with family members while allowing for privacy and separate living spaces
- Allows families to stay together by providing separate living spaces for adult children
Common Challenges
- Connecting/Providing Services to Secondary Suites (water, sewer, gas)
- Parking
- Placement of Utilities in the house
Benefits
- Helps with paying a mortgage by providing an additional source of income
- May help a homeowner qualify for a mortgage
- Supports aging in place by allowing older adults to share a home with family members while allowing for privacy and separate living spaces
- Allows families to stay together by providing separate living spaces for adult children
Common Challenges
- Connecting/Providing Services to Secondary Suites (water, sewer, gas)
- Parking
- Placement of Utilities in the house
Why is an Accessory Dwelling Unit important?
Chilliwack renters and homeowners are facing a variety of pressures related to broader real estate trends. Renters are facing a low city-wide vacancy rate and rising rental costs, making it challenging for many individuals and families to find and afford housing. Chilliwack is growing fast and as the City grows, there is a need to increase the overall density of development and provide a greater range of new housing options.
Since we are Canadian and accustomed to our space, living on top of each other is less desirable. As a result, Chilliwack needs to get creative on housing. An ADU is a perfect option to help with both our housing scarcity as well as our ability to have our own space. Not only does it answer the housing question, it can also generate increased equity through rental income, increased property value, help families with combined living situations, or help the next generation get into the housing market.
Extra information
Below are some helpful links regarding Secondary Suites and The City of Chilliwack Zoning.
Secondary Suite Information
Secondary Suite Information
Click HereCity of Chilliwack Zoning Bylaw
City of Chilliwack Zoning Bylaw
Click HereChilliwack Housing Needs Report
Chilliwack Housing Needs Report
Click HereADU FAQ
ADU FAQ
Click Here