What is a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU)?
A self-contained dwelling unit, detached from and clearly accessory to a single-family residential dwelling. Other names for DADUs include garden suite, backyard cottage, granny flat or laneway house.
I'm interested in building a DADU. What should I do next?
Read the Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) guide to learn about costs, permits, timelines and the DADU approval process. Please consider:
- DADUs are only permitted in the rear yard.
- The maximum DADU size permitted is 65 m2 (700 ft2).
- The size of DADUs and other structures is also limited by maximum lot coverage and setback regulations.
- The owner of the property is required to live in either the DADU or the principal dwelling.
- No stratification of DADUs is permitted.
You may set up a meeting with a Planner to discuss your proposal by calling Development Services.
Resources:
Short term rentals
- Learn about the analysis project
- Read the March 16 staff report
- Read the consultant’s report
- Watch the council discussion
At the March 16 meeting, Council directed staff to return to a future meeting with more details based on a framework that short-term rentals be permitted only within the operator's principal dwelling unit: renting a room while present or the whole home while away for up to 180 days per year with no secondary or garden suites included.
It’s important to note that this direction has not yet been implemented and short term rentals for less than 30-days are still prohibited until bylaws are updated.
- Next steps: staff will bring the matter forward to the Council meeting on April 27, 2026 to continue the discussion.
