Detached accessory dwelling / garden suite

Plan a detached accessory dwelling with siting, access, parking, grading, drainage, foundations, fire safety and services as one project.

VERT / GREEN = documenter/entretenir · JAUNE / YELLOW = vérifier avant travaux · ROUGE / RED = arrêter le DIY et faire valider.

Zoning/siting not verified
First confirm municipal zoning, setbacks, use and permits. Services cross the yard
Coordinate underground utilities, depth, drainage and future service. Sloped site/complex drainage
Integrate grading and water management into site plan. Regional adaptable plan available
Use as a starting point, then adapt to site with a qualified professional.

What the professional checks

Adapt design to site and local bylaws
Coordinate structure, services, drainage and permits

Official sources

SCHL — Catalogue de conception de logements

Checked: 2026-08-22

Tools related to this issue

Whole-home action plan

Open →

Well and septic

Open →

V14

Systems to check before closing the work

V14 connects envelope, air, fire, structure, water and code instead of treating each project in isolation.

Renovation dependenciesFire safetyCode versions

V16

Advanced diagnostics to cross-check

V16 connects water, soil, climate, safety, materials and seasonal use to existing projects.

Drinking-water quality and treatmentNoise and vibration

V17

Specialized systems to cross-check

V17 completes gas, soil, water, fire, climate and structural interfaces.

Residential sprinklers

V27

Project risks and overlooked interfaces

V27 connects payment, water, envelope, ventilation and jobsite details that often create costly surprises.

Safety glazing, showers and guards

V29

Household safety and compliance details

V29 connects smaller risks that often fall between finishes, appliances, plumbing and local code.

Interior stairs, handrails and guards