Development Potential in the Highlands

Bylaw 457 was adopted on 17 June 2024. It permits one principal dwelling and one accessory dwelling unit. In the CD2 zone, up to three accessory units per lot are possible in Areas 1 to 4.

The accessory unit provisions began with Bylaw 438, adopted on 4 December 2023, which Bylaw 457 extended and renamed.

Outside the CD2 zone, the accessory unit comes through a density benefit scheme under section 482 of the Local Government Act, and it is conditional.

Outside the CD2 zone, the owner must register a section 219 covenant prohibiting subdivision of the accessory unit from the principal dwelling, and that covenant has to be registered before the building permit application. The accessory unit is capped at 90 square metres of floor area. The owner must occupy one of the two units as a principal residence. No home based business is permitted in the accessory unit.

Budget for the covenant, and for the time it takes to register, before you plan your permit timeline.

Whatever the zoning permits, a covenant or building scheme already registered on title can restrict it further. Order a title search on the PID before you rely on any permission.

There is a full post on what a covenant or building scheme does to your density.