Secondary suites
How to build a legal suite, or make an existing one legal.
Grace period for existing suites. In April 2023 Council extended the time owners have to bring suites built without permits up to code. The City’s page lists two end dates, April 30, 2025 and April 30, 2027. Confirm the current deadline with the building department. After it ends, owners pay all fees and penalties and may have to remove the suite. The grace period doesn’t apply to new suites.
What counts as a secondary suite
A self-contained home with its own kitchen, bathroom and entrance, inside a house that has no more than two homes in total. Basement suites and in-law suites are examples. The BC Building Code sets rules for fire separation, heating and ventilation, linked smoke alarms, exits and bedroom windows.
Is a suite allowed on your property?
Suites are allowed in these zones: RT, RS, R-1, RD, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-7, CD-1 Wildstone, CD-3 Shadow Mountain and CD-8. Under section 4.17 of the Zoning Bylaw:
- only one suite per house
- the suite needs its own entrance (a connecting inside door is allowed)
- at least one parking space for the suite, so 3 in total
- it must meet the BC Building Code and have a building permit
Building permit checklist
- Building permit applicationPDF
- Legal description and title. The City can get your title for $22.
- Two sets of plans, unless you submit digitally
- A site plan showing 3 parking spaces
- Floor plans with room uses, fire separations and ratings, sound ratings, door and window sizes, and ceiling heights
Existing suites follow the same process. Your plans must show the existing work meets the code, and an inspector may visit first to help. Incomplete applications are returned.
Why get a permit
A legal suite is safer, protects your home’s value, avoids insurance and mortgage problems, and makes selling easier.
Page updated .
Based on this page on cranbrook.ca, rewritten in plain language. Fees, dates and rules can change, so confirm with the City before you rely on them.