Secondary Suites

What is a secondary suite?

A secondary suite is a specific type of dwelling unit. It is an additional dwelling within a building with all of the following characteristics

1. Total floor space of not more that 90 m2 (968 ft2)
2. Maximum of 40% of the total habitable floor space of the building.
3. Located in a residential building with only one other dwelling unit.
4. Located in a building that is a single real estate entity. A secondary suite cannot be strata titled.
5. The property use must include an owner who is a resident of the main dwelling unit or the suite.

If a suite satisfies these characteristics, its construction is regulated by the secondary suites provisions found in Section 9.36 of the BC Building Code. A summary of these provisions is provided further down in this bulletin.

It is important to note that a suite is secondary to the principal use of a dwelling. That means it cannot be detached from the home. It also cannot be a single storey addition or wing. Secondary suites are most commonly on the basement or ground level of the home.

Are secondary suites permitted in all residential zones?

Most of the time, Yes. Secondary suites are permitted in all residential zones except for R4 – Mobile Home Park. Secondary suites are not permitted in duplexes.

If a Land Use Contract is registered on your property title, it may restrict secondary suites. This is the case in the 108 Mile Ranch area. See “I Live in the 108 Mile Ranch” below.

Parking

A principal dwelling requires two parking stalls, plus one additional for the secondary suite, for a total of three stalls. Parking stalls can be located outside or in a carport or garage, but they must be a minimum size of 2.8 m. (9.2 ft.) x 6.1 m. (20 ft.). Parking is not normally a problem on large lots of the Cariboo, but if you have a smaller property, you will need to show parking stall size and location on your site plan.

How many secondary suites are permitted per property?

Only one secondary suite is permitted per property.

Is the owner of the property required to live on site?

Yes. An owner declaration form must be completed as part of the application process.

Is a home occupation allowed?

No. Home occupation and home industry uses are not permitted within secondary suites.

What are the sewage disposal requirements?

The province requires an approved means of on-site sewage disposal with sufficient capacity to accommodate both principal dwelling and secondary suite. Usually this requires an updated sewerage system filing by a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP). Contact an ROWP or the Interior Health Authority (Northern Health in the Quesnel area) for information.

Where in the dwelling can I add the suite? second floor, main floor, basement, etc?

A secondary suite must be within a principal dwelling. That means it must be within the existing walls of the main house. It cannot be added on to the side of a building, or as an additional storey. It cannot be separated from the house by a breezeway or located in a detached building. Most secondary suites are on the main floor or in the basement of a house.

Can I stratify my property with a suite?

The suite and principal dwelling must form part of a single title. A suite cannot be stratified.

I live in the 108 Mile Ranch. Can I have a secondary suite?

Not yet. Most properties within the 108 Mile Ranch area have a land use contract registered on the property title. This is the original zoning contract which regulates land use within the 108 Mile Ranch development. The land use contract allows only one dwelling unit per property and so does not permit secondary suites. You need to check your property title for this document. It may also be on the title of properties in the 103 and 105 Mile areas.

The provincial government has created a sunset date for all land use contracts in BC. They will expire on June 30, 2024. After this date, secondary suites will normally be permitted on properties in the 108 Mile Ranch area.

Documents required for 'secondary suites' permit application

• Permit Application
• Non-refundable Permit Application Fee
• Form A - Owner's Undertaking
• Contaminated Site Declaration
• Site plan instructions and sheet
• Design Drawings
  • Floor plan of all levels of the house including secondary suite,
  • Fire separation walls and floors between the suite and main dwelling,
  • Use and size of rooms,
  • Size of doors and windows,
  • Location of smoke alarms and primary exhaust fans,
  • Wall construction details,
  • Location of heating sources
• Plumbing declaration
• Mechanical Ventilation Checklist - TECA
• Truss Layout with load points
• Schedule A (if applicable)
• Schedule B (if applicable)
• Schedule C-A (if applicable)
• Schedule C-B (if applicable)

• Solid Fuel burning appliance permit (if applicable)
• Solid Fuel Appliance (if applicable)

Fees

Each application is unique. Typical applications involve the following fees:

Non-refundable Permit Application fee