Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Development

Project Overview

The City of Quesnel’s Housing Action Plan aims to create a thriving community by increasing population density in residential neighbourhoods. Accessory dwelling units (ADUS), more commonly known as secondary suites, carriage houses, and secondary dwellings can help to provide a wider range of housing options for community members, create density in the City, and offer revenue opportunities for homeowners. In 2019, a Zoning Bylaw legalized ADUs in residential zones, and the City waived building permit fees for the construction and legalization of secondary suites. In 2021 the City started public consultation to gauge community interest in ADU development.

In spring 2022, the City engaged a designer and the community to develop pre-reviewed energy-efficient design plans for two carriage homes and three secondary dwelling units that reduce costs for homeowners and expedite the building permit process.

Community Consultation

In the spring of 2022, the City hosted two focus groups, a virtual community session, and an online survey to collect feedback from the community on the draft designs. In case you missed it, you can view the community meeting recording and the presentation slides.

There was an incredible response from the community. Feedback from the sessions and 71 surveys is summarized in our What We Heard Report, and used to inform the final designs.

Build a Carriage House: Pre-Reviewed Designs Available Now

Two carriage house and three secondary dwelling unit designs are now available at no cost for residents of Quesnel and the Cariboo Regional District Fringe Area. They can be previewed on the City website at www.quesnel.ca/adus, where interested applicants will be directed to contact Development Services for the next steps. The City is committed to expediting building permits within three business days for these designs. For CRD residents, please contact the Williams Lake planning department.

Complete plans can be reviewed at City Hall.

Fee exemptions

The City of Quesnel received a grant to waive fees for the first 15 building permits until October 31, 2023.

The City is also continuing to waive building permit fees for the construction and legalization of secondary suites until December 31, 2022.