10-Year OCP Update Nearing Final Stages
Changes to policies, design guidelines and regulations that guide development are being considered through the 10-Year OCP Update. If approved, these changes will impact development processes and requirements for all properties in Victoria.
What is a Garden Suite?
A garden suite is a legal, detached, ground-oriented suite in the backyard of a single-family home. Garden suites are designed to be long-term rental housing. They cannot be strata-titled or used as short-term rentals (such as an Airbnb).
Creating a garden suite is a way homeowners can have a rental suite on a property that doesn’t have a secondary suite. Property owners may convert an existing accessory building if it meets policy guidelines or build something new. To create a garden suite, applicants must acquire a delegated development permit (approved by staff) and all necessary building permits.
Is your property eligible?
Garden Suites are permitted on all properties with only one single-family detached home, and which are appropriately zoned. Properties that already have secondary suites, or an existing duplex, are not eligible.
The suite must meet all requirements of the Zoning Bylaw Schedule M – Garden Suite. It should also incorporate the design guidelines contained in the Garden Suite Policy and Guidelines.
Process
To build a garden suite, you must consult the relevant policies and guidelines and obtain a development permit. You will find a link at the bottom of this page to all the related policies and guidelines.
- Check that your property is eligible for a garden suite.
- Review the rules of your zone by consulting the Zoning Regulation Bylaw, specifically Schedule M – Garden Suites
- Contact Development Services if you are unsure if your property is eligible
- Review the Garden Suites Policy and Guidelines.
- Consider a Pre-Application Meeting with staff to review your concept plan for the garden suite. Through this meeting, you will receive high level guidance on key issues and policies and confirm technical requirements for the application. This meeting can improve the application process and save you time!
- If no pre-application meeting is held:
- Contact Development Services to discuss your plans and the requirements for your application.
- Review your project for compliance with the Tree Protection Bylaw. If the siting or servicing of the garden suite impacts bylaw-protected trees, you may need an arborist report.
- Consider how the garden suite will be serviced. It is recommended to show the proposed connection locations from the property line to the proposed garden suite.
- Fill out the Garden Suite Delegated Development Permit Application. The application form lists all documents needed for your application. When you have all the documentation together, you are ready to submit your application.
- Submit your application and all the supporting documentation to zoning@victoria.ca. Staff will contact you to arrange payment (see summary of fees below).
- City staff will review the application for compliance with regulations and policies. This may involve site visits to the property. The applicant will receive a written summary of any requirements to complete the application.
- Note that revisions may be required for compliance with the design guidelines or the Zoning Regulation Bylaw.
- Once staff approve the Delegated Development Permit, the applicant can apply for a Building Permit.
- You are ready to build when you receive your necessary permits.
Updates to the Garden Suite Program
Council considered a staff report on the Garden Suite Program Review at the April 21, 2022, Committee of the Whole meeting. This report:
- presented an update on the garden suite program
- considered revisions to the Garden Suite Policy and Design Guidelines
- sought direction to adjust fees for better cost recovery
Consider the section “Design Challenges” in the report when planning the design of your garden suite. Staff will be taking direction from this report when considering applications.