"Garden suite" means an additional dwelling unit that is on the same lot as a single dwelling, and is either a separate one storey building or is combined with an accessory building.

These suites are only permissible within specific land use zonings. Contact Planning and Development Services to discuss your proposed development. 

See also: secondary suites.

General information

• A garden suite is an additional dwelling unit, meaning that it is subsequent or subordinate to a principal dwelling that exists or is under construction on the same lot. A dwelling unit is a self-contained unit which has a separate private entrance and is comprised of at least a kitchen, washroom and bedroom and where the occupants reside together as a single household. 
• Unless otherwise stated in the Land Use Bylaw, regulations related to accessory buildings shall apply to garden suites. 
• Only one garden suite may be considered on a lot. 
• A garden suite shall not be considered on a lot containing an agricultural dwelling, a temporary care dwelling, group home minor or group home major. 
• A garden suite shall not be considered on a lot containing an existing secondary suite unless the lot is 0.4 ha or greater in size. 
• A garden suite shall not contain a basement. 
• A garden suite should include exterior finishing, roof pitch and form that is complementary in design, colour and material to the principal dwelling, to the satisfaction of the development officer. 
• The location of the garden suite and window placement should consider the privacy of adjacent residential development. 
• Access to a garden suite located on a lot that is less than 0.125 ha in size shall only be from a lane. Despite this, in the R1A - Single Detached Residential A zone, access to a garden suite may be provided from a road or lane. 
• Subject to the maximum ground floor area of the relevant zone, a garden suite shall not exceed:
  • 68 m² in floor area, where located on a lot that is less than 0.4 ha in size; and
  • 125 m² in floor area, where located on a lot that is 0.4 ha or greater in size.
• The maximum height for a building that includes a garden suite shall be the greater of: 
  • The maximum height of an accessory building within the relevant zone; or 
  • 1.5 storeys and 6.8 m to the peak where a garden suite is constructed above a detached garage that is not accessed by a lane; or 
  • 2 storeys and 8.0 m to the peak where a garden suite is constructed above a detached garage that is accessed by a lane. 
• Despite the above, in the R1A - Single Detached Residential A, R1B - Single Detached Residential B and R1C - Single Detached Residential C zones, the maximum height for a building that includes a garden suite constructed above a detached garage shall be 1.5 storeys and 6.8 m to peak regardless of access location. 
• A minimum of three on-site parking spaces shall be provided (two for the principal dwelling and one for the garden suite) which conform to parking regulations. Despite this, an on-site parking space for a garden suite is not required where:
  • There are a minimum of two on-site parking spaces on the lot; 
  • access to the principal dwelling is provided from a lane; and
  • on-street parking is authorized on a road that is adjacent to the lot. 
• Bedrooms shall have no less than one outside window or exterior door, openable from the outside providing an unobstructed opening of no less than 0.35 metres square (3.77 square feet) in area. No dimension of the openable portion may be less than 380 mm (15 inches).
• Ceiling height minimum for garden suites is 6.4 feet (1.95 m).
• Smoke alarms must be hard-wired and interconnected with the accessory structure (if applicable) so they will operate in unison. 
• Exit can be provided either by direct exterior exit or an exit with stairs leading from the suite to the accessory entry (that has a doorway to the outside).
• Fire protected walls and ceiling (use of 1.2 inch drywall) are required between a garden suite and the accessory portion as well as around commoon exits.
• Electrical, plumbing and gas work must be done by a certified professional (e.g. master electrician, journeyman trades person).
• Heating and ventilation for the suite must be independent from the accessory. 
• Gas furnaces and water heaters must be enclosed in a room with fire protected walls and ceiling (use of 1/2 inch drywall). 
• Water and sewer can be provided through the main house or have their own systems. 

Printable brochure - Garden suites information (299.9 KB)

Applying for permits

To obtain the necessary permits, you will be required to submit:

• A completed development permit (363.2 KB)  application form with landowner signature.
• A completed  building permit (3.3 MB)  application form.
• A current copy of land title (printed within the last 30 days)
• Abandoned Well Declaration form, (645.9 KB) for buildings larger than 47 square metres
• A site plan which includes:
  • All structures on the property and the proposed development
  • Distances to the property lines from the proposed development
  • Dimensions of the property
  • Dimensions of the proposed development
  • Easements, utility right-of-ways (a site plan prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor may be required)
• All appropriate building plans (to scale) including floor plans, elevation drawings, cross section with specifications and the foundation plan.

Garden suite fees

Please see "Garden Suite" in the current development and building fee schedules. 

Note: The Safety Code Council fee also applies to garden suites, please see the current building fee schedule. 

More information: