Kitchen suite, couch, and chair an apartment suite

Create or legalize a secondary suite

Add a new secondary suite to your existing house or legalize an existing suite that was created without permits.

Are you creating a secondary suite as part of building a new house? Review the steps to building a new house

Steps to creating or legalizing a secondary suite

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A. Determine if the following applies to your property:
- The secondary suite already exists (for example, a kitchen has been installed);
- The City has already initiated enforcement action to legalize or remove the secondary suite; AND
- The house was built BEFORE January 2, 2001
If all three points above:
- Applies to your property, you will be required to have a secondary suite inspection before you can apply for a permit.
- Doesn't apply to your property, you will be required to visit the Development and Building Services Centre before you can apply for a permit. You will NOT need a secondary suite inspection.
B. Request a secondary suite inspection

What is a secondary suite inspection?

A secondary suite inspection includes having City inspectors:
- Come to your home
- Examine your space
- Explain the upgrades or changes you will need to make to create a legal and conforming suite
Once City inspectors have examined the space, we will send you a list of requirements that you will need to complete to have your suite approved.

How to request an inspection

Online

Register for an online account and submit your request

In-person
- Download the request form (70 KB)
- Bring the form and secondary suite inspection fee in person to the Development and Building Services Centre along with list of requirements provided to you in step 1
We can only accept your application once you have provided all of the required documents and plans and paid your fees.
A. Submit application and pay fees

For a list of permit submission requirements, please refer to the list of requirements provided to you by City staff under step 1.

Submit application:
- Fill out a permit form (126 KB)
- Deliver it in person to the Development and Building Services Centre along with the list of permit requirements provided to you in step 1
We can only accept your application once you have provided all of the required documents and plans and paid your fees.

B. Review application

Following a detailed review of the submitted plans and documents by various staff teams, we will:
- Provide you with a list of any items to be addressed before a permit can be issued
- Book a meeting with you to discuss and confirm how to address these items
- Issue your permit
If you need to make any change to the work approved in the permit, please contact the Development and Building Services Centre. Changes must be reflected on the approved plans and are subject to additional fees.

A. Apply for trade permits

Most house renovations will require separate trades permits, which are typically submitted by the trades contractor hired by the general contractor.

Get details about and apply for a :
B. Request inspections

All work completed will need to be inspected at various stages of construction.

Get more information and book an inspection
- You DO NOT need a business licence, if your family (parents, children, etc.) will be living in the suite.
- You DO need a business licence, if you rent out out the suite. However, there is no requirement to rent out your suite.
How to get a business licence