• Creating a new secondary suite in your home
• Bringing into compliance an existing suite that wasn't previously permitted
• Altering or expanding an existing suite beyond what was previously approved

• Flooring, paint or trim upgrades
• Simple cosmetic improvements that don't alter structure or systems

Before applying for a permit, confirm that your property's zoning allows a secondary suite:

• Secondary suites are a permitted use in the R-M (Mixed Density Residential) district
• They are a discretionary use in the R-L (Low Density Residential) district

Use the Property Information WebMAP to determine your zoning and review the applicable rules in the Land Use Bylaw 6300. 

Complete a Development Application Checklist. Ensure that the documentation also addresses the following requirements:

• Only one secondary suite will be allowed per parcel
• One additional off-street parking stall must be provided and maintained at all times for the secondary suite
• The suite must have a separate access either through an entryway from the exterior of the dwelling or through a separate entrance within a common landing
• The secondary suite shall not be subject to separation from the principal dwelling through a condominium conversion

Modern codes require ceilings to be at least 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) high.  In older homes with shallow basements, this height may not be achievable. In these cases, the Safety Codes Officer may approve lower ceiling heights if they are considered reasonably safe.

Each bedroom must have an emergency exit window unless the suite is sprinklered.

What this means:

• The window must open from the inside without keys or tools
• The open area must be at least 0.35 m², with no side smaller than 380 mm (15 in)
• The window must stay open on its own during an emergency
• If there is a window well, it must have at least 760 mm (30 in) of clear space
• If there is a window well, it must have at least 760 mm (30 in) of clear space
• Window well covers or security bars are allowed only if they can be opened from inside without tools or keys

Smoke alarms are required to improve early warning in case of fire.

Homeowners must ensure:

• Smoke alarms are installed in each bedroom and outside sleeping areas (or in hallways)
• Alarms are mounted on or near the ceiling
• All smoke alarms in the house are interconnected, including those in the main home and the secondary suite
• In furnace or mechanical rooms, an interconnected smoke alarm may be accepted instead of additional fire separation.

Carbon monoxide alarms are required for safety.

Requirements include:

• CO alarms must be installed in both the main dwelling and the secondary suite
• Alarms must be hard-wired (not battery-only)
• All CO alarms must be interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound
• CO alarms are also required in areas shared by both units

Modern codes require exit stairs to be at least 860 mm (34 in) wide.
In older homes, this width may not be possible. The Safety Codes Officer will review existing stairs and recommend improvements where needed.

Landings at stairs and exits may not meet current size requirements in older homes.
The Safety Codes Officer will assess them during inspection and identify any necessary upgrades.

Handrails and guards may not meet current standards due to existing construction.
These will be reviewed during inspection, and acceptable solutions will be identified if changes are required.

Minimum exit door sizes will be reviewed during inspection. The Safety Codes Officer will determine what is acceptable for existing conditions.

To help slow the spread of fire:

• The ceiling separating the main home and the secondary suite must have at least one layer of 12.7 mm (½ in) drywall or equivalent
• Walls separating the suite from the main home, common areas, or storage spaces must have ½ in drywall on both sides
• In furnace rooms, an interconnected smoke alarm may be accepted instead of a fully smoke-tight barrier

Older secondary suites may share one heating and ventilation system with the main home. Separate systems are not required for existing suites.

No. Only one secondary suite per parcel is permitted under the Land Use Bylaw.

Yes. You must provide on additional off-street parking stall for the suite, in addition to parking for the primary dwelling.

Yes. In some cases, shared heating/ventilation is permitted subject to code compliance and Safety Codes Officer approval.