You will be required to prepare the necessary documentation for your application, please ensure you meet all of the following requirements.
All Code references are to the National Building Code - 2019 - Alberta Edition (NBC 2019-AE)
Height of Rooms and Spaces: Sentence 9.5.3.1.(2) states "ceiling heights in secondary suites shall be not less than 1.95m."
INTERPRETATION:
Bedroom Windows: Sentence 9.9.10.1.(1) states "except where the suite is sprinklered, each bedroom shall have at least one outside window or exterior door openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge and without the removal of sashes or hardware."
Smoke Alarms: Article 9.10.19. regulates the requirements for smoke alarms.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Article 9.32.3.9. states Carbon monoxide alarms conforming to CSA 6.19, "Residential Carbon Monoxide Alarming Devices," shall be installed in accordance with Sentence 9.32.3.9.(2) of Division B of the NBC 2019-AE in the primary and secondary dwelling units.
Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in areas that are common to both dwelling units by permanent connections to an electrical circuit and interconnected so that the activation of one carbon monoxide alarm will cause all alarms within both dwelling units to sound.
Exit Stairs: Sentence 9.8.2.1.(2) states that "Exit stairs serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall have a width of not less than 860mm."
Landings: Article 9.8.6.3. regulates the dimensions of landings.
Handrails and Guards: Subsections 9.8.7., Handrails, and 9.8.8., Guards contain regulations regarding handrails and guards
Exit Doors: The Safety Codes Officer will determine minimum door sizes upon inspection of the premises.
Dwelling Unit Separations: The primary dwelling unit shall be separated from the secondary suite by not less than one layer of 12.7mm thick gypsum wallboard or equivalent material on the underside of the ceiling. Walls separating the primary dwelling from the secondary suite, common areas or ancillary spaces shall be 12.7mm gypsum wallboard on both sides of the wall.
Heating and Ventilation Systems: For an existing secondary suite, a single heating and ventilation system may be used to serve both the secondary suite and main dwelling unit.
Development applications can be made online by completing the Development Application Form and sending an email to planninganddesing@lethbridge.ca.
For those looking to apply for a suite existing prior to September 2, 2007 you are encouraged to make the application in person at Development Services to discuss the compliance process.
Floor plan of the proposed Secondary Suite indicating: locations of smoke and C0 detectorslocation, size, and type (casement, awning, slider, etc) of egress windowslocation and width of stairwells and landingslocation and width of doorways Floor plan of the Primary Dwelling Unit Site plan Elevations if a forced basement entry (dug down, retaining wall) is to be installed, or other changes impacting the exterior footprint of the home
All inspections can be scheduled online either through MyCity or eInspections.
Occupants with concerns their suite may have unsafe conditions may submit a Building Inspection Complaint Investigation Form.
Building Safety Codes Officers may perform a preliminary inspection of the suite for a current occupant which has first-hand knowledge that safety codes infractions exist in the building, or for a third-party when a credible life safety concern can be demonstrated.
Please note that a copy of the preliminary inspection report and all supplemental documentation will be provided to the property owner.