Take the accessory suites survey until April 15
In June 2023, Council approved the Affordable Housing Action Plan and tasked City staff to revisit the rules around accessory suites (secondary, garden and garage suites). The goal? To remove obstacles when building approved suites, recognizing their potential to boost our local economy and champion sustainable growth.
An accessory suite is a secondary dwelling from the principal residence and can be a garage suite, a garden suite or a secondary suite.
There are municipal safety regulations for approved accessory suites. Learn about unique requirements for each type of accessory suite.
Learn more about secondary suites
Benefits of accessory suites:
In the past three years, Airdrie has witnessed a significant increase in applications for accessory suites. This trend is a clear indicator of the growing interest and need for diverse housing options in our community. As we look towards 2024, projections suggest that this demand will not only continue but likely increase.
Why the surge in applications?
Airdrie's response to this trend:
Myth: Accessory suites decrease property values.
Fact: Contrary to this belief, accessory suites can increase property values by providing additional income potential and appealing to a broader range of buyers.
Myth: They lead to overcrowding and parking issues.
Fact: The City implements careful planning to ensure adequate parking and maintain neighbourhood aesthetics and functionality.
Myth: Suites compromise safety.
Fact: All approved accessory suites must adhere to strict building and safety codes, ensuring they are as safe as any standard home.
Myth: Accessory suites cause more noise and disruption than a single-family home.
Fact: There has been no evidence that shows accessory suites cause more noise or disruption than average residences.
Myth: Accessory suites strain City services.
Fact: Accessory suites don't significantly increase demand for services. Airdrie has servicing capacity to accommodate accessory suite development.
In situations where LUB standards can’t be met, the development authority is able to determine whether the standard can be relaxed (which is called a “variance”) to allow for a garage suite, garden suite, or secondary suite application to be approved.
There are two important tests to determine if a variance can be granted:
The variance cannot allow the development of the Secondary Suite to negatively affect the amenities of the neighbourhood or neighbouring properties.
The variance must be something that is unique or specific to the property (i.e. why should the variance grant an exception to the rule?).
Once the development permit for your garage suite, garden suite, or secondary suite is issued, you will need to obtain building permits.
Learn about permits/ requirements when making changes to your home