The implementation of Go-Box in Quebec City has attracted a great deal of interest since UHA’s acceptance.
If you’re interested in installing a Go-Box (UHA), here’s the essential information you need to know about connections, valuation and taxation, as well as architectural requirements.
Connection to water and sewer systems: three options available
UHAs can be connected to municipal infrastructure (water and sewer) in three distinct ways. They are as follows:
Option 1: independent connection
If you opt for an independent connection, additional charges will apply to bring new pipes up to your property line. This means additional costs for extending municipal networks.
Option 2: collective connection
The other option is to connect your Go-Box to the existing infrastructure, using the pipes already in the street. This solution is generally less expensive than the stand-alone option.
Option 3: Connection to the main building
Finally, the third option allows all pipes to be connected directly to the property’s main building. This option depends on your land specifications and city regulations.
Valuation and taxation: a new method under development
The introduction of UHAs in Quebec City is still a relatively new concept, and assessment and taxation methods are still under development. At present, the first valuations are based on the actual construction cost of the Go-Boxes. However, a certain amount will be deducted to account for building depreciation.
Eventually, a more precise and definitive valuation method will be introduced. This will take into account the evolution of the real estate market and the transactions linked to these new constructions. The property will then be taxed as a 2-family home. It is therefore important to follow the evolution of these criteria to fully understand the long-term tax impact.
Architecture and materials: sector-specific flexibility
As far as the architecture of Go-Boxes is concerned, Quebec City allows great flexibility. These buildings need not be similar to the main residence, except in certain special cases. For example, in certain areas of the city, strict rules governing architectural architectural integration plans (PIIA) may apply.
Examples of areas concerned:
- Heritage sectors such as Vieux Cap-Rouge.
- Declared heritage sites, such as the Site patrimonial de Sillery.
In these areas, building projects are accepted on a discretionary basis, according to the criteria and objectives of local regulations. It is therefore essential to check the rules specific to your area before starting any construction project.
Conditions, applicable standards and other relevant information
The UHA garden pavilion must meet specific criteria. Here are the main requirements:
- Sanitary facilities
- Space for cooking and eating
- Private access
- Separate, independent occupancy
Localisation
The UHA must be located in the side yard, rear yard or secondary front yard.
Minimum distance from lot lines
- 1.5 m
- 2.4 m from main building
Maximum area
The area of the garden pavilion must be less than or equal to the lesser of the following values: 75% of the ground projection of the main building or 80 m². Note that the surface area of all detached accessory buildings (shed, garage, etc.) may not exceed 10% of the lot area.
Maximum height
The height of the garden pavilion must be less than or equal to the height of the main building or 5 m, whichever is lower.
Further information
- A minimum distance of 0.75 m must separate two detached accessory buildings on the same lot.
- Cannot be converted to divided co-ownership.
- A separate civic number will be assigned.
Conditions for adding a UHA
- Only one garden house is permitted per lot.
- The main dwelling is located in a single-family detached house.
- The main dwelling is located in a zone where a residential use is authorized as the main use.
Construction requirements
- The garden house must rest on a foundation connected to the ground (e.g. piles, sonotube, concrete slab, platform with foundations, etc.).
- It may not be installed on a platform placed on the ground or on a trailer.
- Elephant foot” type blocks are not considered foundations.
- The standards of the Construction Code of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec must be respected.
Landscaping
- A walkway at least 1.2 m wide must connect the garden home to a parking area, street or sidewalk.
- A parking space for the garden home is not required.
- An opaque fence or evergreen hedge is required if the garden house is less than 2 m from a side or rear lot line.
- If the dwelling is not permitted on neighboring lots (rear or side), a fence or hedge is not required.
Conclusion
The introduction of Go-Boxes in Quebec City offers a new way of designing housing. However, it’s important to understand the different options available for connecting to the networks, the tax evaluation criteria and the architectural requirements specific to each sector. Keep up to date with developments in these new buildings, so you can make an informed choice for your real estate project.
Don’t hesitate to contact the municipal services for further information and precise sketches of the connection options available.
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Source: Ville de Québec