Regional District of Nanaimo directors have green-lit zoning bylaw amendments, which will allow for secondary suites on most residential and rural-zoned properties in a majority of electoral areas.
The amendments, which will apply to areas A, C, E, F, G and H, mean suites can be located within a dwelling, such as basement suites, detached as either a stand-alone building, like a garden suite, or as part of accessory buildings, such as carriage homes.
It is an accessory use on a property and must be maintained within the same legal title as the principal dwelling unit, the regional district specified.
“RDN residents are experiencing an increasing gap between what they can afford and the cost of available housing, and secondary suites can help improve housing affordability for both renters and homeowners,” said regional district chairman Joe Stanhope. “Electoral area residents have shown strong community support for secondary suites, and we look forward to seeing more secondary suites integrated into our RDN communities as a result of this landmark program.”
Area B land-use planning is governed by the Islands Trust and the cities of Nanaimo and Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach already allow secondary suites.
To inquire about whether secondary suites are allowed, please e-mail planning@rdn.bc.ca or call 250-390-6510.