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. The assistance is forgiven over the loan term of up to five years – the provincial program for further details.
What is a Secondary Suite and Backyard Suite?
Secondary suites and backyard suites are typically smaller residential units that are secondary or accessory to principle residential dwelling units (single and semi-detached homes). Secondary and backyard suites are separate from the main dwelling (home) on a property.
Where can I build a Secondary/Backyard Suite in the Town?
Although the Town’s land use bylaw allows these accessory or secondary units within any residential zone, secondary and backyard suites are mostly associated with lots developed with single or semi-detached homes.
Do I need a permit from the Town to access the funding?
Yes. Eligible projects approved by the Nova Scotia Government will be provided with a conditional approval outlining conditions of the loan. However, the Secondary and Backyard Suite Incentive Program provides 100% of the funding only AFTER the work is completed, and occupancy permit is granted by the Town – for which permits issued by the Town are required.
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 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!