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Secondary and Backyard Suites Incentive Program

Opportunities to increase housing in Yarmouth!

With the low rental vacancy rate and growing demand for housing in the Town of Yarmouth, we want to raise awareness of the recently introduced provincial funding program designed to increase housing stock in our communities.

The Nova Scotia Provincial Government has launched a Secondary and Backyard Suite Incentive Program offering a forgivable loan for up to 50% of eligible  project costs, to a maximum  of $40,000 per secondary or backyard suite.

Visit the provincial program website for further details.

Where can I build a Secondary/Backyard Suite in the Town?

In all residential zones. However, secondary suites are most typically associated with lots developed with single or semi-detached homes.

Do I need a permit from the Town to access the funding?

Yes, you will need Development and Building Permits. The provincial incentive program provides 100% of the funding only AFTER the work is completed and where occupancy permit is issued by the Town’s Building Official – for which Town permits are required.

Who can help me with the required Town permitting process?  

Before filling out the application form and applying to the Nova Scotia Government’s incentive program, we encourage you to contact us at planningadmin@townofyarmouth.ca so that we can:

  • help you determine applicable land use bylaw and building code requirements;
  • assist you with submitting a required permits; and
  • offer a general support throughout the Town’s permitting process.
What are secondary suites?

Secondary suites typically come in three different forms: 1) Backyard Suites, 2) Basement Suites or 3) Garage Suites. All three suite types must be located on the same lot as the principal home to which the suite is secondary. In other words, secondary suites cannot be legally subdivided from the principal home.  

What are Basement Suites?

They are standalone dwelling units contained within a home, typically in basements.

Basement Suite

What are Backyard Suites?

They are separate buildings located in the backyards. Often referred to as carriage homes. Recently, prefabricated “tiny homes” have become a popular choice for Backyard Suites.

Backyard Suite

What are Garage Suites?

In most cases they are standalone dwelling units constructed over top of garages.

Garage Suite

What requirements do Secondary/Backyard Suites need to meet in the Town of Yarmouth?

Per section 7.2(2) of the land use bylaw, “up to one (1) accessory building may be erected, converted or placed on a Residential zoned lot for use as a secondary home, rental unit or guest suite”.

Before applying to the Nova Scotia Government’s program, we encourage you to contact us so that we can help you determine whether your proposal or concept meets the land use bylaw requirements. We can review your development permit application and offer support through the Town’s permitting process.

For additional information about the provincial Secondary and Backyard Suite Incentive Program, please visit the program’s website. For information about the Town of Yarmouth's required permitted process, please contact us at: CONTACT – planningadmin@townofyarmouth.ca

How do I receive the Loan?

To receive the forgivable loan, there is a list of requirements that need to be upheld. Below are key considerations.

To be eligible for this program:

  • are the registered owner(s) of the property
  • live on the property as your primary home
  • have up to date property taxes
  • are a resident of Nova Scotia (and a Canadian Citizen or hold Permanent Resident status)
  • have money available to pay for the construction of the suite up front

To have the loan forgiven, the tenant and the homeowner must meet one of the following situations where the tenant is:

  • a family member and is 65 years of age or older OR is a person living with a disability (supportive housing)
  • a family member and the homeowner is 65 years of age or older OR a person living with a disability (supportive housing)
  • an individual or household whose income is below income limits and to whom the unit will be rented below average market rates (affordable housing)

A family member may be a mother, father, daughter, son, sibling, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, or adult grandchild or similar related by marriage (i.e., stepmother etc).

The information referenced above is from the Nova Scotia Government’s website – if you are interested in learning more and accessing the incentive program information or a loan application form, we encourage you to visit their website!