Secondary Suites

A secondary suite is a dwelling unit that is accessory to a single detached dwelling and is comprised of one or more habitable rooms and intended for use as a separate and independent residence. A secondary suite contains sleeping facilities, a bathroom and cooking facilities that are for the exclusive use of the occupant(s) of the suite. Since July 6, 1998 the City has allowed owners of single detached dwellings in areas zoned for single detached or duplex dwellings to create one secondary suite (or authorize one existing suite) per property. Authorized secondary suites provide affordable ground-oriented housing that increases density but still allows the preservation of single detached dwelling neighbourhood character. The City's design standards ensure that authorized secondary suites provide safe, healthy and good quality rental housing.

Are you thinking about creating a legal suite in your existing house or in a new house, or legalizing an illegal suite?

Secondary Suites - A General Guide
Zoning Bylaw Excerpt
Planning for the Future Creation of a Legal Secondary Suite                   Technical Requirements for Secondary Suites Created before July 1998

Design Standards for Secondary Suites

Design Standards Form for Houses Built Before July 6, 1998 
Design Standards Form for Houses Built After July 6, 1998  
      
Flat Rate Utility Billing for Secondary Suites

Duplex Properties and Flat Rate Utility Billing
Exemption for Secondary Suite Utility Billing 
         
Removing Suites from Buildings

Removing a Secondary Suite that Contains an Electric Stove 
Removing a Secondary Suite that Contains a Gas Stove 
Removing a Housekeeping Unit that Contains an Electric Stove 
Converting a Boarding/Rooming/Multi-Suite House Back to a Single Detached Dwelling 
Converting a Boarding/Rooming/Multi-Suite House Back to a Duplex Dwelling