A Step-by-Step Guide to See if You Can Build a Basement Suite or Laneway House
I was surprised to find that Red Deer has a huge allotment for basement suites that isn’t even close to being full. For homeowners looking to maximize the potential of their properties, adding a basement suite or laneway house is a great solution.
These additions not only create extra living space but can also provide rental income or accommodate multigenerational families. However, before you begin construction, it’s essential to determine if your property is suitable and if local regulations allow such developments. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Understand the Zoning Regulations
The first and most critical step is to check your property’s zoning. In Red Deer, zoning bylaws determine the types of structures you can build on your property.
- Visit the City of Red Deer Website:
- Open your web browser and go to the official City of Red Deer website (https://www.reddeer.ca).
- Open your web browser and go to the official City of Red Deer website (https://www.reddeer.ca).
- Navigate to the Mapping Tool:
- On the homepage, look for a section labelled “Maps” or “Interactive Map.”
- Click on the link to access the City’s interactive mapping tool.
- Search for Your Property:
- Use the search bar within the mapping tool to enter your property’s address or legal description.
- Press “Enter” or click the search icon to locate your property on the map.
- Identify Your Zoning:
- Once your property is highlighted on the map, check the legend or zoning overlay. The zoning designation (e.g., R1, R2) will be displayed.
- Note this designation as it determines what types of developments are permitted on your property.
Zoning Details:
- R1 (Single-Family Residential): In R1 zones, basement suites are not typically allowed as a permitted use but may be considered as a discretionary use. Laneway houses are generally not allowed in this zoning.
- R2 (Medium Density Residential): In R2 zones, basement suites are usually permitted, and laneway houses may be allowed as a discretionary use depending on specific lot requirements and design considerations.
- Check for Area-Specific Limitations:
- The City of Red Deer limits the number of homes within a specific area that can have a basement suite. This helps to make sure neighbourhood density remains manageable.
- To find this information, you can use this link to the city map which will show you how many suites are available in your area and how many there currently are.
- Contact the Planning Department for Clarification:
Step 2: Assess Property Size and Lot Dimensions
Certain types of secondary suites and laneway houses require minimum lot sizes and setbacks to ensure adequate space and safety.
- Measure Your Lot: Check your property’s dimensions. You can find this information on your property’s title or by consulting your survey plan.
- Compare to Bylaw Requirements: The Land Use Bylaw specifies minimum lot width, depth, and area for developments like laneway houses. For example, laneway houses typically require:
- Adequate rear yard space
- A minimum lot width (e.g., 12 meters or as specified)
- Proper setbacks from property lines
Step 3: Verify Parking Requirements
Both basement suites and laneway houses often have parking requirements to ensure they do not strain neighbourhood resources.
- Check Parking Standards: Most bylaws require at least one additional parking space for a secondary suite. Laneway houses may need their own designated parking as well.
- Evaluate Your Space: Ensure your property has enough space to accommodate the required parking without encroaching on landscaping or municipal property.
Step 4: Confirm Utility Connections
This part can be a bit tricky, but utility infrastructure is a critical consideration when adding a basement suite or laneway house.
- Water, Sewer, and Electrical Services: Ensure your property’s existing utility connections can support additional units. This often involves:
- Checking the capacity of your sewer line
- Assessing water pressure
- Ensuring electrical systems can handle additional loads
- Consult Professionals: It’s highly recommended that you hire a contractor or plumber to assess whether upgrades are needed. They will be able to correctly identify what you need and provide the paperwork that the City of Red Deer requires as proof of adequate utilities in order to apply for a suite or laneway house.
Happy to Help
If the idea of navigating government websites has you abandoning the idea of building a suite before you even begin then I can offer some assistance.
Email me your address and I can check your area to see what you are eligible to build.
You can also book a no-obligation inspection with me to check your utilities and make sure they are able to support additional living spaces. Even if you don’t decide to move forward with a project you will have an up-to-date record of the property’s water and hydro capacities for future reference.