Alternative names to in-law suites

[French-Canadian Planner]

Can you suggest alternative names to designate In-Law suites? The reason I ask is we have to translate the In-Law suite by-law in French and "appartement beaux parents" just doesn't make the cut. We are pretty sure that our definition of In-Law suit is illegal because of the reference to family relations, so definitions are also welcome.

Much appreciated.

EC.

 

[Jerry Weitz]

When not limited to family members, "accessory apartment" is another acceptable name. When applied to the elderly, they are sometimes called ECHO Housing (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunities). ECHO housing is usually a manufactured home in the back yard. Accessory apartments can be attached to (within) the main dwelling or in an accessory structure, such as above a garage.

 

[Zoning Gangsta]

We use "accessory dwelling". For those temporarily put in because of a family member's health problem, a neighboring jurisdiction calls them "medical hardship dwelling."

 

[Ilene Watson]

How about "secondary suites". This helps reflect the intent that the suite is secondary (or accessory) to the primary use of the building as a household residential unit. Legally its really difficult to actually restrict "who" gets to live in the unit so I think its best to concentrate on developing regulations that emphasize the intent and protect the neighbourhood from impact. Regulations such as restricting floor area, requiring onsite parking etc. We just rewrote our zoning bylaw and used the term "secondary suite". Its a common term in western Canada.

 

[planasaurus]

While probably ot the best name, we call it a granny flat.