Updated October 2026
Intergenerational homes in Boucherville are gaining popularity on Montreal's South Shore. With an aging population and rising real estate costs, many families are choosing this multi-generational housing solution. Good news: since 2025, Boucherville has had a by-law that makes it easier to add a second unit to a single-family home.
Municipal Regulations for Intergenerational Homes
In Boucherville, adding a second unit to a house is mainly governed by By-law 2025-441 authorizing accessory dwelling units, in force since February 2025 and amended in September 2025 and February 2026. This by-law prevails over other planning by-laws in case of conflict. As elsewhere in Montérégie, it is part of efforts to add housing in existing neighbourhoods.
Specific Eligibility Criteria
Under the current version of the by-law, your project must notably meet the following conditions:
- Building Type: A detached or semi-detached single-family home (class H1), located within the urbanization perimeter, outside the Vieux-Boucherville heritage site and not part of an integrated project
- Number: Only one accessory dwelling unit per main building
- Floor Area: No more than 80% of the main dwelling's floor area, unless the unit is entirely in the basement or cellar
- Parking: At least one space per dwelling, with parking covering no more than 50% of the front yards
- Separate Entrance: Access through a door on a facade other than the main facade (with exceptions), with no direct interior access between the two units
- Address and Utilities: A separate civic number, but a single utility service entrance and a single electrical connection
For Vieux-Boucherville, council adopted a zoning amendment in May 2026 allowing accessory units in certain zones, as a one-year pilot project limited to three approved applications.
Municipal Permit Application Process
Obtaining a permit for an intergenerational or accessory unit in Boucherville follows a procedure I recommend starting several months before work begins.
Essential Administrative Steps
The process generally includes the following steps:
- Preliminary Check: Confirm with the Urban Planning Department that your property is eligible
- Application Submission: Permit application form accompanied by plans
- Compliance Verification: The City reviews the project under the accessory dwelling by-law and other planning by-laws
- Inspections During Work: Inspections may be required at different stages
"Careful preparation of the application file helps avoid delays and refusals. I always recommend my clients consult a professional before submitting their project."
Required Documents and Associated Costs
Compiling a complete application requires several technical and administrative documents. Confirm the exact list and current fees with the City before applying.
Commonly Requested Documentation
- Plans of the proposed layout, prepared by a professional if needed
- Recent certificate of location
- Duly completed permit application form
- Current photos of the property
Costs include municipal permit fees, set by the City's fee schedule, plus professional fees and the cost of the work. Get a complete estimate before committing.
Specific Challenges and Practical Solutions
My experience on Montreal's South Shore since 2004 has allowed me to identify the main obstacles homeowners face when creating an intergenerational home.
Common Technical Constraints
Several technical challenges can complicate your project:
- Eligibility: Townhouses, heritage buildings and integrated projects are not eligible
- Entrance: Adding a door somewhere other than the main facade is not always simple depending on the layout
- Construction: Soundproofing, fire separation and exit requirements
- Parking: Adding a space without exceeding 50% of the front yards on a small lot
Comparison with Neighboring Municipalities
Each municipality in Greater Montreal regulates accessory and intergenerational units differently: eligible building types, maximum floor area, parking or family-link requirements. Rules have been changing quickly since 2024, so it is important to check the by-law in force in each city.
These differences directly influence the purchasing choices of families looking for a property for an intergenerational project on the South Shore.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Approval
Drawing on my experience assisting families with their real estate projects in Sainte-Julie and Saint-Hubert, I recommend a methodical approach:
- Consult urban planning services before purchasing a property
- Hire a professional familiar with local regulations
- Allow sufficient time for permit approval
- Consider the impact on resale value: in September 2026, the median price of a single-family home in Boucherville was $760,000
As a RE/MAX Privilège real estate broker, I can assist you in evaluating the feasibility of your project and connect you with the appropriate professionals.
