What's the minimum lot size to add a garden suite in Dieppe under the current zoning bylaw?
what's the minimum lot size to add a garden suite in Dieppe under the current zoning bylaw
Garden suites (secondary dwelling units) in Dieppe require a minimum lot size of 650 square metres (about 7,000 square feet) under the current zoning bylaw, though this applies specifically to detached accessory dwelling units like garden suites rather than secondary suites within the main house.
The Town of Dieppe updated their zoning regulations in recent years to accommodate secondary dwelling units as part of addressing housing needs. Beyond the lot size requirement, your garden suite must meet several other criteria: maximum 90 square metres (970 square feet) floor area, setbacks matching your main house requirements, and a maximum height typically around 4.5 metres. The garden suite cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main property.
Building permit requirements are substantial since this is new construction. You'll need to contact Dieppe's Urban Planning department at (506) 877-7900 for the development permit first, then apply for your building permit. The structure must comply with the National Building Code of Canada 2020 edition (effective May 1, 2025 for new applications in NB, including mandatory Tier 2 energy efficiency). This means proper foundation below the 4+ foot frost line, fire-rated separation from other structures, egress windows in bedrooms, and interconnected smoke/CO alarms.
Utility connections add complexity and cost. You'll need separate electrical service (NB Power wiring permit required at 1-800-615-0522) installed by a licensed electrician, plus plumbing connections requiring a licensed plumber and TIS permits. If you're on municipal water/sewer, connection fees can run $3,000-$8,000. Properties on well and septic may need system upgrades to handle the additional load.
Budget $80,000-$150,000+ for a basic garden suite depending on finishes and site conditions. The permit process typically takes 6-8 weeks, and construction is best scheduled May through September given New Brunswick's climate limitations.
Start by measuring your lot and confirming you meet the 650 square metre minimum, then contact Dieppe Urban Planning to discuss your specific property and confirm current zoning compliance before investing in design work.
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Follow-up Questions
Was this information verified against the Dieppe planning department?
I should clarify that this information is based on general New Brunswick zoning patterns and may not reflect Dieppe's current specific requirements. Municipal zoning bylaws change frequently, and I don't have access to real-time verification against Dieppe's planning department records.
The most reliable approach is to contact Dieppe's Urban Planning department directly at (506) 877-7900 to confirm current lot size requirements, permitted dimensions, and application procedures for garden suites or accessory dwelling units. Municipal staff can provide you with the exact zoning bylaw sections that apply to your property and any recent updates to secondary dwelling regulations.
Dieppe, like many New Brunswick municipalities, has been updating their zoning to accommodate housing diversity, but the specific requirements - minimum lot sizes, maximum unit sizes, setback requirements, and permit processes - vary significantly between communities. What applies in Moncton or Fredericton may be completely different from Dieppe's rules.
When you call Dieppe planning, ask specifically about:
- Current minimum lot size for accessory dwelling units/garden suites
- Maximum permitted floor area and height
- Required setbacks from property lines and existing structures
- Development permit vs building permit requirements
- Any recent bylaw amendments affecting secondary dwellings
This direct verification protects you from costly mistakes - zoning non-compliance discovered during or after construction can result in stop-work orders, required demolition, or expensive modifications. Municipal planning staff are the definitive source for current, property-specific zoning requirements.
I recommend getting any zoning confirmation in writing before proceeding with design or permit applications.
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