Addressing the need for more affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing our society. A new report identifies a possible solution for small and medium size communities.  Accessory Dwelling Units: Case Studies and Best Practices from BC Communities provides leading practices in policies, bylaws, engagement, and other initiatives to implement additional units more successfully on residential properties.

The report was written by the WCS Engagement + Planning, which has developed several other reports on strategies for affordable housing in B.C.’s smaller communities.

“One of the things we found was there is underutilized potential to scale up accessory dwelling units—secondary suites, detached garden suites, laneway housing, or even tiny homes,” said Executive Director Cheeying Ho. “A benefit of these is that they increase housing supply without needing to acquire additional serviced land, and they generally retain the neighbourhood character. It’s a relatively easy way to add more affordable housing stock.”

The report reviews the opportunities, challenges, benefits, and risks of accessory dwelling unit types by discussing common barriers and explores strategies. Ten best practices are detailed with examples given of different B.C. communities employing various approaches and methods.

Accessory Dwelling Units: Case Studies and Best Practices from BC Communities is intended primarily for local governments that want to better understand tools that can support the implementation of this type of housing. It will also be useful for community members and residents who want to promote the idea in communities were such housing typologies are not yet allowed.

“We’re hoping this research will inspire solutions and provide practical tools for local governments to speed up how they can encourage, support, and approve the building of accessory dwelling units,” added Ho. “Some local governments have been really creative in the ways they are allowing accessory dwelling units and there are some inspiring ideas.”

Let us know if you are exploring new ways to deliver accessory dwelling units in your community by emailing our BC Housing Research team at research@bchousing.org.

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