Is This Secondary Suite Authorized?
Since July 6, 1998, the City has allowed one authorized secondary suite per single detached house.
An authorized (or "legal") suite must have been created with a Building Permit. Payment of the secondary suite utility charge to the City does not mean a suite is authorized. To find out if your suite was created with a permit, contact the Planning Division.
What happens if a secondary suite is unauthorized?
If an unauthorized secondary suite comes to the City’s attention, the City may investigate and pursue appropriate enforcement action, particularly where health or safety concerns are identified. This action may include the requirement to authorize the suite by bringing it into compliance with City bylaws or to remove the suite (see below), and will require a Building Permit.