Create or legalize a secondary suite

Steps to creating or legalizing a secondary suite

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  Step 1: Determine if you need a secondary suite inspection

  Depending on the status of your home, you may not need a secondary suite inspection.

  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

   We can only accept your application once you have provided all of the required documents and plans and paid your fees.

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  Step 2: Submit your permit application and pay fees

  A development and building permit will be required to carry out upgrading work and to formally change the use of your house to include a secondary suite.

  A. Submit application and pay fees

  Submit application:

  • Fill out a permit form  (126 KB)
  • Deliver it in person to the Development and Building Services Centre

   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
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  Step 3: Begin construction, get trade permits, and book inspections

  Once your building permit has been approved and issued, you can begin work on your secondary suite, get the required trade permits, and book inspections.

   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 :

  • Plumbing permit
  • Electrical permit
  • Fire sprinkler permit
  • Gas permit

  B. Request inspections

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

  Get more information and book an inspection

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  Step 4: Complete construction and determine if you need a business licence

  If the work meets all requirements, your suite will be approved. 

  • 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

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