Garden Suite Regulations in BC: Province-Wide Rules 2025
Garden Suites Under BC’s New Housing Legislation
BC’s Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation, effective June 2024, fundamentally changed garden suite rules across the province. Understanding the new framework helps homeowners plan secondary dwelling projects.
BC SSMUH Legislation Overview
Under SSMUH, BC municipalities can no longer prohibit garden suites (detached secondary suites) on most urban single-family lots. This overrides previous local bylaws that restricted secondary dwellings.
What’s Now Allowed Province-Wide
- On lots in Urban Containment Boundary: Minimum 1 detached secondary suite allowed
- Near frequent transit (within 400m of bus stop or SkyTrain): Higher density may be required
- No minimum lot size restrictions under provincial override (some setback and height restrictions remain)
Local Zoning Still Applies To:
- Setbacks from lot lines and neighbouring properties
- Maximum height (typically 4.5–6m for garden suites)
- Parking requirements
- Building Code (fire separation, egress, etc.)
Garden Suite Construction Costs (2025)
| Size | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small (320–400 sq ft) | $160,000–$260,000 |
| Standard (480–600 sq ft) | $230,000–$370,000 |
| Large (650–900 sq ft) | $320,000–$550,000 |
→ See also: Vancouver Renovation Permits Guide
More Basement & Secondary Suites Guides
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