Secondary suites development permit requirements

Secondary suites

R-C1, R-C1L, R-1

You need to apply for a development permit and a building permit. Be sure to review the following rules for your district AND the building permit requirements.

Development permit

Secondary suites are only allowed within single detached dwellings or contextual single detached dwellings. There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

Please identify the following on your site plan:

Parking

One parking stall for the tenant(s) on the parcel, in addition to the parking stall(s) required for the property, with the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides

Note: Street parking does not count toward the requirement, nor do tandem parking stalls located directly behind or in front of other required stalls.

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5 m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5 m (5').

Suite area

Suites that are entirely located in a basement, do not have a maximum floor area.
Internal stairways and landings that provide access to the basement suite do not need to be entirely located below grade.
Suites that are not entirely located within a basement, have a maximum suite floor area of 100 m2* (or about 1,076 ft2).
Required floor area may be relaxed to a maximum of 10 per cent through development permit application.

* Maximum suite floor area does not include the area underneath stairs and landings.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

R-1N

You need to apply for a development permit and a building permit. Be sure to review the following rules for your district AND the building permit requirements.

Development permit

Secondary suites are only allowed within single detached dwellings or contextual single detached dwellings. There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

Please identify the following on your site plan:

Parking

The total width of the property, as this may affect the parking requirements.

One parking stall for the tenant(s) on the parcel, in addition to the parking stall(s) required for the property, with the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides

Street parking does not count toward the requirement, nor tandem parking stalls located directly behind or in front of other required stalls.

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5 m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5 m (5').

Suite area

Suites that are entirely located in a basement, do not have a maximum floor area.
Internal stairways and landings that provide access to the basement suite do not need to be entirely located below grade.
Suites that are not entirely located within a basement, have a maximum suite floor area of 100 m2* (or about 1,076 ft2).
Required floor area may be relaxed to a maximum of 10 per cent through development permit application.

* Maximum suite floor area does not include the area underneath stairs and landings.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

R-C1N

You need to apply for a development permit and a building permit. Be sure to review the following rules for your district AND the building permit requirements.

Development permit

Secondary suites are only allowed within single detached dwellings or contextual single detached dwellings. There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

Please identify the following on your site plan:

Parking

The total width of the property, as this may affect the parking requirements.

One parking stall for the tenant(s) on the parcel, in addition to the parking stall(s) required for the property, with the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides

Street parking does not count toward the requirement, nor tandem parking stalls located directly behind or in front of other required stalls.

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5 m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5 m (5').

Suite area

Suites that are entirely located in a basement, do not have a maximum floor area.
Internal stairways and landings that provide access to the basement suite do not need to be entirely located below grade.
Suites that are not entirely located within a basement, have a maximum suite floor area of 100 m2* (or about 1,076 ft2).
Required floor area may be relaxed to a maximum of 10 per cent through development permit application.

* Maximum suite floor area does not include the area underneath stairs and landings.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

R-C1s, R-C1Ls

If you meet the following rules for your district, you can apply for a building permit. If you do not meet the rules, you need to apply for a development permit AND a building permit. Be sure to review the following rules for your district AND the building permit requirements.

Secondary suites are only allowed within single detached dwellings or contextual single detached dwellings. There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

Please identify the following on your site plan:

Parking

One parking stall for the tenant(s) on the parcel, in addition to the parking stall(s) required for the property, with the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides

Street parking does not count toward the requirement, nor tandem parking stalls located directly behind or in front of other required stalls.

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5 m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5 m (5').

Suite area

Suites that are entirely located in a basement, do not have a maximum floor area.
Internal stairways and landings that provide access to the basement suite do not need to be entirely located below grade.
Suites that are not entirely located within a basement, have a maximum suite floor area of 100 m2* (or about 1,076 ft2).
Required floor area may be relaxed to a maximum of 10 per cent through development permit application.

* Maximum suite floor area does not include the area underneath stairs and landings.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

R-C2, R-2

Single detached homes

Please indicate the following on your site plan:

Lot requirements

The total width of the property needs to meet one of the following criteria:

A minimum property width of 9 m, or
A minimum property width of 7.5 m when located on a corner property or a property with a lane; and three or more parking stalls are provided

Parking

Two parking stalls are required per Main Dwelling Unit with the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides
- Street parking and tandem parking stalls (located directly behind or in front of other required stalls) do not count toward the requirement

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5m (5').

Suite area

Suites that are entirely located in a basement, do not have a maximum floor area.
Internal stairways and landings that provide access to the basement suite do not need to be entirely located below grade.
Suites that are not entirely located within a basement, have a maximum suite floor area of 100 m2* (or about 1,076 ft2).
Required floor area may be relaxed to a maximum of 10 per cent through development permit application.

* Maximum suite floor area does not include the area underneath stairs and landings.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to decision. For more information, review the development permit process.

Side-by-side and duplex homes (Semi-detached houses)

Please indicate the following on your site plan:

Lot requirements

The total width of the property needs to meet one of the following criteria:

A minimum property width of 13m for unsubdivided properties
A minimum property width of 6.0m for subdivided properties

Parking

No parking stalls need to be provided for the Secondary Suite if the two parking stalls have been provided for the Main Dwelling Unit with the following minimum dimensions:

2.5m (8'3") x 5.9m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
2.85m (9'5") x 5.9m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
3.0m (9'10") x 5.9m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides
Street parking and tandem parking stalls (located directly behind or in front of other required stalls) do not count toward the requirement

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5m (5').

Suite area

Suites that are entirely located in a basement, do not have a maximum floor area.
Internal stairways and landings that provide access to the basement suite do not need to be entirely located below grade.
Suites that are not entirely located within a basement, have a maximum suite floor area of 100 m2* (or about 1,076 ft2).
Required floor area may be relaxed to a maximum of 10 per cent through development permit application.

* Maximum suite floor area does not include the area underneath stairs and landings.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

R-2M

If you meet the following rules for your district, you can apply for a building permit. If you do not meet the rules, you need to apply for a development perrmit AND a building permit. Be sure to review the following rules for your district AND the building permit requirements.

Please indicate the following on your site plan:

Parking

No parking for the suite is required when two parking stalls are provided for each Main Dwelling Unit with the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides
- Street parking and tandem parking stalls (located directly behind or in front of other required stalls) do not count toward the requirement

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5 m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5 m (5').

Suite area

Suites that are entirely located in a basement, do not have a maximum floor area.
Internal stairways and landings that provide access to the basement suite do not need to be entirely located below grade.
Suites that are not entirely located within a basement, have a maximum suite floor area of 100 m2* (or about 1,076 ft2).
Required floor area may be relaxed to a maximum of 10 per cent through development permit application.

* Maximum suite floor area does not include the area underneath stairs and landings.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

R-MH

Currently, secondary suites and backyard suites are not listed uses in this land use district. To allow for suites on this property, an approved land use redesignation must be obtained. For more information, visit Land use redesignation.

R-CG

There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

Please identify the following on your site plan:

Property width as it may affect maximum suite area.

Parking

The minimum number of parking stalls provided on the property is calculated based on the sum of all units and suites at a rate of 0.5 stalls per unit or suite. This number is always rounded up to the next whole number. For example – a townhouse with 3 units and 2 suites would require 3 parking stalls [ (3+2) x 0.5 = 2.5 -> 3.0).
Parking stalls must meet the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides

Mobility storage locker

A mobility storage locker is a secured location with grade access for the purpose of storing bikes, including heavier and large cargo and electric bikes, mobility scooters, strollers, etc.
The minimum number of lockers is calculated based on the sum of all units and suites, less the number of private garage parking stalls provided, at a rate of 0.5 stalls per unit or suite. For example, a 4-unit town house with two suites and three parking stalls an enclosed garage would require 2 mobility storage lockers [(4+2-3) x 0.5 = 1.5 -> 2.0]

Bicycle parking stalls

1 bicycle stall is required for each unit or suite, where that unit or suite is not provided a parking stall in a garage or mobility storage locker.

Amenity space

Each suite must have outdoor amenity space. Amenity space can be common, private or a combination of both and must be labelled on the required plans.

Floor area

when the property width is less than 13.0 m, the maximum suite floor area is 100 m2 *
when the property width is over 13.0 m, there is no maximum floor area.

Note: Required floor area may be relaxed to a maximum of 10 per cent through development permit application.

* Maximum suite floor area does not include the area underneath stairs and landings.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

M-CG, M-C1, M-C2, M-G, M-1, M-2

There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

Please identify the following on your site plan:

Parking

The minimum number of parking stalls provided on the property is calculated based on the sum of all units and suites at a rate of 0.625 stalls per unit or suite. This number is always rounded up to the next whole number. For example – a development with 3 units and 3 suites would require 4 parking stalls [ (3+3) x 0.625 = 3.75 -> 4.0) ]
Where a parcel is located within 600 metres of an LRT station; 400 metres of a BRT station; or 200 metres of other bus service on the Primary Transit Network, the required parking rated is reduced by 25 per cent. Taking the example above, the final parking requirement would be 3 parking stalls [ 3.75 – (3.75 x 0.25) = 2.81 -> 3.0 ]
Parking stalls must meet the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides.

Suite area

The maximum suite floor area is 100 m2 *

* Maximum suite floor area does not include the area underneath stairs and landings

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

R-G, R-Gm

If you meet the following rules for your district, you can apply for a building permit. If you do not meet the rules, you need to apply for a development permit AND a building permit. Be sure to review the following rules for your district AND the building permit requirements.

There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

Please identify the following on your site plan:

Parking

One parking stall for the tenant(s) on the parcel, in addition to the parking stall(s) required for the property, with the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides

Street parking does not count toward the requirement, nor tandem parking stalls located directly behind or in front of other required stalls.

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5 m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5 m (5').

Suite area

Suites that are entirely located in a basement, do not have a maximum floor area.
Internal stairways and landings that provide access to the basement suite do not need to be entirely located below grade.
Suites that are not entirely located within a basement, have a maximum suite floor area of 100 m2* (or about 1,076 ft2).
Required floor area may be relaxed to a maximum of 10 per cent through development permit application.

* Maximum suite floor area does not include the area underneath stairs and landings.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

Direct control districts/other districts

Chat with us, or contact the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311 for more information about secondary suites and backyard suites in this land use district.

Backyard suites

R-C1, R-C1Ls, R-C1s, R-C1N, R-1, R-1s, R-1N

You must apply for a development permit for The City to review your proposed suite.

Development permit

Backyard suites are only allowed on the same property as single detached dwellings or contextual single detached dwellings. There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

Please indicate the following on your plans:

Lot requirements

Minimum property width of 9 m
Or
Minimum property width of 7.5 m when located on a corner property or a property with a lane; and three or more motor vehicle parking stalls are provided on the property
A minimum building setback from a rear property line of 1.5 m for any portion of the building used as backyard suite.
A minimum building setback from a side property line of 1.2 m for any portion of the building used as a backyard suite.
A minimum separation of 5.0 m between the main residential building and the backyard suite.
A maximum building height of 7.5 m sloping down to a lower height next to a neighbouring property.

Parking

One parking stall for the tenant(s) on the parcel, in addition to the parking stall(s) required for the property, with the following minimum dimensions:
- 5 (8 ft 3") x 5.9 m (20 ft) when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 85 (9 ft 5") x 5.9 m (20 ft) when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5. 9m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides

Street parking does not count toward the requirement, nor tandem parking stalls located directly behind or in front of other required stalls.

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5 m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5 m (5').

Suite area

A maximum suite floor area of 75 m2*

* Maximum floor area does not include any area covered by stairways and internal landings not exceeding 2.5 m2.

For the complete requirements, please refer to the land use district and section 352 in Land Use Bylaw, or call us at 403.268.5311 for information on the rules that apply to your property.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

R-2, R-C2

You must apply for a development permit for The City to review your proposed suite.

Development permit

Backyard suites are only allowed on the same property as single detached dwellings contextual single detached dwellings. There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

Please indicate the following on your plans:

Lot requirements

Minimum property width of 9 m
Or
Minimum property width of 7.5 m when located on a corner property or a property with a lane; and three or more motor vehicle parking stalls are provided on the property
A minimum building setback from a rear property line of 1.5 m for any portion of the building used as backyard suite.

A minimum building setback from a side property line of 1.2 m for any portion of the building used as a backyard suite.
A minimum separation of 5.0 m between the main residential building and the backyard suite.
A maximum building height of 7.5 m sloping down to a lower height next to a neighbouring property.

Parking

One parking stall for the tenant(s) on the parcel, in addition to the parking stall(s) required for the property, with the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides

Street parking does not count toward the requirement, nor tandem parking stalls located directly behind or in front of other required stalls.

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5 m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5 m (5').

Suite area

A maximum suite floor area of 75 m2*

* Maximum floor area does not include any area covered by stairways and internal landings not exceeding 2.5 m2.

For the complete requirements please refer to the land use district and section 352 in Land Use Bylaw, or call us at 403.268.5311 for information on the rules that apply to your property.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

R-MH

R-CG, M-CG

You must apply for a development permit for The City to review your proposed suite.

Development permit

Backyard suites are only allowed on the same property as a dwelling contained in a single detached dwelling, contextual single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, contextual semi-detached dwellings, or rowhouse building. There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

You should read the Backyard Suites How-To Guide before beginning your application.

Please indicate the following on your plans:

Lot requirements

Minimum property width of 9 m
Or
Minimum property width of 7.5 m when located on a corner property or a property with a lane; and three or more motor vehicle parking stalls are provided on the property

A minimum building setback from a rear property line of 1.5 m for any portion of the building used as backyard suite.
A minimum building setback from a side property line of 1.2 m for any portion of the building used as a backyard suite, except where the backyard suite shares a party wall on the property line with another dwelling unit. See section 539 for additional scenarios.
A minimum separation of 5.0 m between the main residential building and the backyard suite.
A maximum building height of 7.5 m sloping down to a lower height next to a neighbouring property.

Parking

One parking stall for the tenant(s) on the parcel, in addition to the parking stall(s) required for the property, with the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides

Street parking does not count toward the requirement, nor tandem parking stalls located directly behind or in front of other required stalls.

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5 m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5 m (5').

Suite area

A maximum suite floor area of 75 m2*

* Maximum floor area does not include any area covered by stairways and internal landings not exceeding 2.5 m2.

For the complete requirements please refer to the land use district and section 352 in Land Use Bylaw, or call us at 403.268.5311 for information on the rules that apply to your property.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

R-G, R-Gm

You must apply for a development permit for The City to review your proposed suite.

Development permit

Backyard suites are only allowed on the same property as a dwelling contained in a single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or rowhouse building. There must not be more than one suite located on a property.

You should read the Backyard Suites How-To Guide before beginning your application.

Please indicate the following on your plans:

Lot requirements

Minimum property width of 9 m
Or
Minimum property width of 7.5 m when located on a corner property or a property with a lane; and three or more motor vehicle parking stalls are provided on the property

A minimum building setback from a rear property line of 1.5 m for any portion of the building used as backyard suite.
A minimum building setback from a side property line of 1.2 m for any portion of the building used as a backyard suite, except where the backyard suite shares a party wall on the property line with another dwelling unit. See section 539 for additional scenarios.
A minimum separation of 5.0 m between the main residential building and the backyard suite.
A maximum building height of 7.5 m sloping down to a lower height next to a neighbouring property.

Parking

One parking stall for the tenant(s) on the parcel, in addition to the parking stall(s) required for the property, with the following minimum dimensions:
- 2.5 m (8'3") x 5.9 m (20') when not abutting a structure (like a house or garage)
- 2.85 m (9'5") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on one side
- 3.0 m (9'10") x 5.9 m (20') when abutting a structure on both sides

Street parking does not count toward the requirement, nor tandem parking stalls located directly behind or in front of other required stalls.

Amenity space

Secondary suite amenity space is an outdoor space designed for the tenants’ active or passive recreational use.
The area must be shown on the site plan drawing, and
The amenity space must be at least 7.5 m2 (81 ft2), with no side smaller than 1.5 m (5').

Suite area

A maximum suite floor area of 75 m2*

* Maximum floor area does not include any area covered by stairways and internal landings not exceeding 2.5 m2.

For the complete requirements please refer to the land use district and section 352 in Land Use Bylaw, or call us at 403.268.5311 for information on the rules that apply to your property.

Timeline for application review: 60 days to approval. For more information, review the development permit process.

Direct control districts/other districts

Chat with us, or contact the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311 for more information about secondary suites and backyard suites in this land use district.

Backyard Suites