Secondary Suite Development

On October 15, 2024, City Council passed Land Use Bylaw 18/2024, which supports the development of Secondary Suites in the City. Secondary suites may be developed in an existing home or as part of new dwelling construction.

A Secondary Suite is an accessory dwelling unit and contains cooking, washroom, living, and sleeping facilities, which are separately accessed from those of the principal dwelling on the site.

There are three opportunities for secondary suite development:

Secondary Suite (Internal)
Secondary Suite (Garage)
Secondary Suite (Garden)

Secondary Suites are permitted in single-detached, semi-detached, and duplex dwellings. Secondary suites are not permissible in Townhouse products.

The type and number of suite units on a site are governed by the Land Use Bylaw “Secondary Suites” provisions and the applicable Land Use District regulations for that property.

Property owners who wish to build a Secondary Suite must obtain a development permit.

Please visit the Land Use Bylaw webpage for more detailed information on Secondary Suites.

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

Download and Complete the:
Building / Development Permit Application Form
Payment of Fees:
- Development permit fee
- Building permit fee
- Safety Codes fee
- 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.
Certified Copy of Title and copies of any registered instruments that may affect development
Two Copies of a Site Plan in metric (minimum 1:100 scale) showing:
- The entire lot;
- Property lines with dimensions;
- Location of the house and proposed secondary suite on the lot with dimensions from the property lines; and
- Location and dimensions of all parking spaces on the lot. Identify secondary suite parking space(s).
Two copies of Floor Plan Drawings that show:
- The floor areas of the secondary suite and main dwelling;
- Types and sizes of the bedroom windows;
- Locations of electrically connected smoke alarms;
- Exit door(s) and required bedroom exit window(s);
- Wall and ceiling construction materials and details;
- Locations of all rooms within the secondary suite;
- Additional information may be requested upon review.
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 will be located.