City of Quesnel releases new pre-reviewed carriage house and secondary dwelling designs

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel has released five pre-reviewed design plans for carriage houses and secondary dwellings. The plans are now available at no cost to homeowners in Quesnel and the Cariboo Regional District's Quesnel Fringe Areas. 

Earlier this spring, the City of Quesnel engaged a designer and the community in the creation of the pre-reviewed designs to reduce costs for homeowners and expedite the building permit process. The final designs were informed by feedback from the community from two focus groups, a virtual community meeting on May 30, and 71 responses to an online and print survey that closed on June 10, 2022.

“Developing the designs for carriage houses and secondary dwellings is just one of the steps the City is taking to expand housing options in our community in new and sustainable ways," said Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. "The positive response and feedback we received allowed us to tailor the designs to meet the community’s unique needs. We look forward to seeing construction of these new homes using the designs.”

The City is committed to expediting building permits within three business days when using these designs. The City has also received a grant to waive fees for the first 15 building permits submitted in Quesnel using the designs until October 31, 2023.

The designs can be previewed now, along with answers to frequently asked questions and tips for getting started, on the City website at www.quesnel.ca/adus. 

Community Consultation
View the May 30 community meeting recording and feedback summary at letsconnectquesnel.ca/adus.

Background
In 2019, the City updated its zoning bylaw to allow for accessory dwelling units (including basement suites, carriage houses and accessory dwellings) in residential zones.

Accessory dwelling units have many benefits. They can provide a wider range of housing options for residents, help make homeownership more attainable by providing a mortgage helper, and allow for more housing development without needing more land. 

In addition, the new designs for carriage houses and secondary dwellings will help support energy efficient construction. Four of the designs meet Step 3 of the Energy Step Code and one meets Step 5, the highest level of energy efficiency.

Learn more about accessory dwelling units at www.quesnel.ca/adus