Text Amendment - Accessory Buildings and Backyard Suites
The City is considering an amendment to the Envision St. John's Development Regulations related to accessory buildings and backyard suites in Rural and Rural Residential Zones. The proposed changes would:
- Allow accessory buildings in a Rural Zone to be located in a front yard and in front of the building line, at Council’s discretion;
- Increase the maximum height for accessory buildings in a Rural Zone to up to 5 metres or the height of the main building on the lot, whichever is greater; and
- Increase the maximum height for a backyard suite in a Rural Residential Zone to up to 5 metres or the height of the main building on the lot, whichever is greater.
You can learn more about this application on the Planning St. John’s webpage at engagestjohns.ca/planning. The Planning St. John's webpage allows the public to learn more about planning applications, track progress, give feedback and ask questions all in one place.
Comment By
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Comments
Provide your comments to the Office of the City Clerk including your name and address to cityclerk@stjohns.ca or P.O. Box 908, St. John’s NL A1C 5M2.
Comments received become a matter of public record and are included in the Council agenda for the date a decision on the application will be made. Any identifying information (including your name) will be removed prior to your comment being released publicly. If you are writing on behalf of a group, organization, business, etc. and wish to remain anonymous, you must indicate as such with your submission.
Collection of personal information is authorized under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and is needed to consider your comments on this application. Questions about the collection and use of your information may be directed to the City Clerk at 709-576-8229 or cityclerk@stjohns.ca.
Additional Information
Notices are sent to property owners within 150 metres of the application site. For more information call 709-576-6192 or email planning@stjohns.ca.
Stay in Touch
Sign up to receive information from the City of St. John's directly to your inbox. Check out the various categories of general news, and emergency notifications.
