Secondary Suite (Internal)

Land Use Bylaw 18/2024 supports secondary suites in either an existing home, or as part of new dwelling construction. Secondary Suites (Internal) are permissible within single detached, semi-detached, and duplex dwellings in the City. Suites within townhouses, are not permitted.

The following applies to Secondary Suite (Internal) developments:

• A Secondary Suite (Internal) is permissible within the principal building and shall be accessory to the main dwelling unit.
• A maximum of 3 bedrooms is allowed within a Secondary Suite (Internal).
• A Secondary Suite (Internal) must have a minimum floor area of 30 square metres (323 square feet).
• A separate entry for the Secondary Suite (Internal), either from a common landing or from the exterior, is required. If the entry is from the exterior, it shall be located on the side or rear of the principal dwelling unit.
• Parking for a Secondary Suite (Internal) is applied in accordance with the parking provisions of the Land Use Bylaw. Any required parking for a Secondary Suite (Internal) shall be in addition to the parking requirements for the principal dwelling.

A Development Permit must be obtained prior to the construction of, or alterations to, a Secondary Suite (Internal).

For more detailed information on Secondary Suite (Internal), please visit the Land Use Bylaw webpage.

Application Checklist

To receive a timely decision on your application, please ensure that your application is clear, legible and accurate. If any part of your application is missing, unreadable or inaccurate, your application will be deemed incomplete, and a decision will not be rendered.

Your Application Must Include:

1. Download and Complete the:
   Building / Development Permit Application Form
2. Payment of Fees
   1. Existing Secondary Suite (Internal) or renovation/occupancy of an existing suite including:
      • Development permit fee 
      • Building permit fee
      • Safety Codes fee 
   2. Secondary Suite (Internal) included in the application for new home construction (fees are additional to current fees for new home construction) including:
      • Development permit fee
      • Building permit fee
   3. Fees related to the following applications are charged in accordance with the Master Rates Bylaw, as amended. The Master Rates bylaw can be viewed in the Bylaws section.
3. Two (2) copies of the following:
   1. A Site Plan showing:
      • The entire lot;
      • Property lines with dimensions;
      • Location of the house on the lot
      • Identification and dimensions of setbacks from the property lines;
      • Location and dimensions of all parking spaces on the lot. Identify the location of the secondary suite (internal) parking space(s).
   2. A Floor Plan of the suite showing the following:
      • The floor areas of the proposed suite and main dwelling.
      • The types and sizes of the bedroom windows;
      • Locations of electrically connected smoke alarms;
      • The exit door(s) and required bedroom exit window(s);
      • Wall and ceiling construction materials and details;
      • Locations of all rooms within the seconary suite (internal);
      • Additional information may be requested upon review.
   3. Building Elevation:
      A building elevation (or existing photograph) of the house, accurately drawn to scale and clearly indicating where the entrance to the secondary suite (internal) will be located.

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Related Pages

Secondary Suites ›

Building Inspections ›

Bylaws ›