If you’re considering adding a carriage home to your Kelowna property, you need to understand size restrictions first before planning your project.
After all, carriage homes offer numerous benefits. These include an excellent opportunity to increase your property value, generate rental income, or provide an independent living space for family members.
However, the City of Kelowna has specific regulations governing the size of these secondary dwellings. Whether you’re building a one-storey or one-and-a-half-storey carriage house, the dimensions allowed depend on your property’s zoning and location.
Now, let’s explore the size limits and requirements for carriage homes in Kelowna.
Carriage Home Size Limits in Kelowna
Here’s a rule of thumb to remember:
The size of your carriage home in Kelowna depends on whether you’re building a one-storey or one-and-a-half-storey structure.
Interesting fact: The city encourages single-level carriage homes because they offer greater privacy for both occupants and neighboring properties.
One-Storey Carriage Homes
A one-storey carriage home can have a maximum floor area of 968 square feet (90 square meters). This larger footprint makes single-level units ideal for creating comfortable, accessible living spaces.
In our experience, the increased square footage allows for:
- Open-concept living areas with full kitchens and bathrooms
- Adequate bedroom space for long-term tenants or family members
- Better privacy for neighbors since there are no second-floor windows overlooking adjacent properties
One-and-a-Half-Storey Carriage Homes
In case you’re planning a one-and-a-half-storey carriage home, the maximum floor area would be 753 square feet (70 square meters).
The reduced footprint here accounts for the additional height and helps maintain the neighborhood’s character. These units typically feature a main living space on the ground floor, with a loft or bedroom area upstairs.
Height Restrictions
Remember that carriage home height is also regulated relative to the main dwelling on your property. In other words, the carriage house can’t exceed the height of your primary residence.
Why, you ask? Doing so ensures that secondary dwellings remain subordinate to the main home and fit within the established streetscape.
Two-Storey Units Are No Longer Permitted
When Kelowna first allowed carriage homes in 2001, two-storey units were permitted. However, due to neighbor compliance about privacy and the visual impact of taller structures, the city discontinued allowing full two-storey carriage homes.
We believe this change reinforces the city’s commitment to balancing increased housing density with neighborhood compatibility.
Why Size Matters
Understanding these size limits early in your planning process helps you work with your contractor to design a carriage home that maximizes usable space while meeting all municipal requirements.
Additionally, the size restrictions ensure that carriage homes complement existing properties rather than overwhelming them. As a result, these rules maintain the character of Kelowna neighborhoods and address the city’s low rental vacancy rate.
What is a Carriage Home?
A carriage home is a detached secondary dwelling located in the backyard of a single-family property. It typically has access from a rear lane or alley.
In Kelowna, these structures have become increasingly popular since the city first permitted them in 2001. Fun fact: This act made Kelowna the first municipality in British Columbia to allow this type of housing.
Historical Origins
Carriage homes originated as quarters for caretakers, coachmen, or stable hands who maintained horses and carriages for wealthy families. These workers lived in modest accommodations above or adjacent to carriage storage areas.
While the original purpose is no longer in effect, the architectural concept has since evolved to meet modern housing needs. Nowadays, carriage homes have many modern features to serve your needs. To learn about these designs, we cover them in detail here.
Modern Applications
Today’s carriage homes serve diverse purposes depending on the homeowner’s needs:
- Rental income properties: Long-term rentals help offset mortgage costs and also address Kelowna’s low rental vacancy rate
- Multi-generational living: Provide independent space for aging parents or adult children while keeping family close
- Guest accommodations: You get to offer comfortable, private lodging for visitors without sacrificing the main home’s privacy
- Home offices or studios: Create a dedicated workspace separate from your primary residence
- Short-term rentals: Generate income through platforms like Airbnb (Note: doing so requires owning a business license beforehand).
Key Characteristics
We’ve seen many homeowners confuse carriage homes with secondary suites or use both terms interchangeably.
That said, carriage homes differ from secondary Kelowna suites in several important ways. Unlike secondary suites, which are integrated within the main house, carriage homes are completely detached structures with separate entrances and utilities.
In other words, the latter can’t be subdivided, stratified, or sold separately from the main property except in specific RU6-zoned areas within Kelowna’s city centre.
Typically, a carriage home’s floor layout features an open living area on the ground floor, complete with a kitchen and full bathroom. When building a one-and-a-half-storey unit, the upper level usually features a bedroom and an additional bathroom.
Want to understand the differences between them further? Read our in-depth comparison of carriage homes vs secondary suites. We also inform you of the structure that would best suit your needs.
Where are Carriage Homes Permitted?
It’s important to note that not every property in Kelowna qualifies for carriage home construction.
The city has designated specific zones where these secondary dwellings are allowed, and the approval process varies depending on your location. Let’s take a look:
Core Area Properties
If your property is located within Kelowna’s Core Area, carriage homes are permitted in the following zones:
- RU6 (Two Dwelling Housing): This zone offers the most streamlined process, as it’s already designated for two dwellings on one lot.
- RU1 (Large Lot Housing): Most suitable for properties with larger lot sizes
- RU2 (Medium Lot Housing): Accommodates medium-sized residential lots
Outside the Core Area
For urban properties located outside Kelowna’s city centre, you’ll need one of these specific carriage house zones:
- RU6 (Two Dwelling Housing)
- RU1c (Large Lot Housing with Carriage House)
- RU2c (Medium Lot Housing with Carriage House)
Rural Area Properties
Rural properties can also accommodate carriage homes if zoned:
- RR1c (Rural Residential 1 with Carriage House)
- RR2c (Rural Residential 2 with Carriage House)
- RR3c (Rural Residential 3 with Carriage House)
The Approval Process
The golden rule is that the permit requirements differ significantly based on your property’s zoning.
In the RU6 Zone within the city centre, for example, homeowners only need to apply for a development permit. City staff review the application to ensure your plans align with neighborhood character and comply with dimensional requirements.
Sounds daunting? Don’t worry; this process is relatively quick and straightforward.
Outside the RU6 Zone, however, you’ll need to apply for minor rezoning, which requires review and approval from Kelowna City Council. This process takes longer and involves more scrutiny.
That said, the city processes approximately 40 carriage home permits annually, demonstrating a consistent demand and feasibility.
Important Considerations
Before purchasing property or beginning the design process, verify your lot’s zoning designation with the City of Kelowna’s Development Services at 250-469-8960.
Call and understand your zoning upfront. Taking this step prevents costly surprises during the planning phase. It also helps you collaborate with your builder to create compliant, efficient designs that meet municipal standards. Finally, you maximize your investment.
Advantages of 2nd Home Suites
Building a carriage home on your Kelowna property offers multiple benefits that aren’t limited to simple square footage. You could be looking to generate income, accommodate family, or increase property value.
Whatever your need is, these secondary dwellings provide flexible solutions for modern homeowners. Let’s explore them:
Financial Benefits
The primary advantage for many Kelowna homeowners is the opportunity to generate consistent rental income.
With the city’s rental vacancy rate remaining low, demand for quality rental accommodations stays strong. A well-designed carriage home can command competitive monthly rents.
As such, it can help offset your mortgage payments, for instance, or property taxes while building equity in both structures.
Additionally, property values typically increase when you add a carriage home. Real estate professionals in Kelowna consistently see higher market values for properties with legal secondary dwellings. In our opinion, it’s a sound, long-term investment.
Plus, when you eventually sell, buyers will recognize the income potential or multi-generational living opportunities your property offers.
Adapt to Your Ever-Changing Needs
Life circumstances change, and carriage homes, luckily, adapt accordingly. Today’s rental unit can become tomorrow’s home office, guest suite, or comfortable accommodations for aging parents.
Such flexibility means your investment continues providing value regardless of how your family situation evolves.
Many Kelowna families use carriage homes to keep multiple generations close while maintaining independence. For example, elderly parents can age in place with family nearby, but still enjoy their own private space, kitchen, and entrance.
Similarly, adult children starting new, independent chapters of their lives will appreciate the autonomy a separate dwelling provides.
Address Kelowna’s Housing Needs
Did you know that by building a carriage home, you’re contributing to Kelowna’s housing supply in a meaningful way?
Interestingly, the city has approved over 425 carriage homes since 2001, each one helping address the shortage of rental accommodation. Your personal financial goals may align with this community benefit. Talk about a win-win!
The advantages don’t stop there. For an in-depth look at what a carriage home can offer you and your family, learn about additional carriage home benefits here.
Further Practical Considerations
Before moving forward with your planning, evaluate the following factors with your contractor:
- Construction costs: Budget for separate utility connections, foundation work, and finishing comparable to your main home
- Timeline: Plan for permit approval and construction, which varies based on your zoning designation
- Design requirements: Work with experienced builders who understand Kelowna’s carriage home regulations to avoid delays or compliance issues down the road
Carriage Homes Kelowna
By now, it’s clear that building a carriage house in Kelowna is a significant investment in your property’s future. Plus, understanding size limits, zoning requirements, and permit processes ensures your project proceeds smoothly from concept to completion.
In short, a well-designed, one-storey unit offers 968 square feet of living space, while a one-and-a-half-storey design provides only 753 square feet. The choice between the two will depend on your plan for the carriage house.
Remember that the key to a successful carriage house project lies in working with experienced builders who understand Kelowna’s specific regulations. We take care of everything from initial site assessment through final occupancy. Our knowledgeable team helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Professional builders can also help you develop plans for a carriage house that maximizes both livable space and return on investment. We work closely with you, the homeowner, to create functional, attractive carriage homes that complement your existing properties.
Ready to explore carriage house Kelowna options? Contact DeGroot Custom Homes today to schedule a consultation and discuss how a carriage home can enhance your Kelowna property. Or, view our portfolio of completed carriage homes, and witness for yourself our quality craftsmanship and thoughtful designs we bring to every project!