According to the City's Land Use Bylaw, secondary suites and backyard suites are considered discretionary uses. The land use districts (zones) for which secondary or backyard suites will be considered are:
- Low Density Residential District
- Medium Density Residential District
- Mixed Use District
- Downtown Mixed Use District
- Future Urban Development District
For more about the land use regulations for your property, visit Zoning
- Requirements vary for minimum lot width and minimum lot area, depending on the land use district and other circumstances. For details, see the Land Use Bylaw, or contact us
The Alberta Building Code regulates the construction and safety of structures. Construction details of secondary and backyard suites are assessed and approved based on these provincial regulations.
Key points about Secondary Suites
- A secondary suite may or may not be permitted, depending on the current zoning (land use district) and the principal dwelling on the site. Contact a Planning Officer and we can provide guidance on your intended project.
- Must have an entrance to the exterior that is separate from the entrance for the principal dwelling, or it may share an entrance to a common interior landing with the principal dwelling.
- Must contain its own living, cooking, sleeping and bathroom facilities.
- Must not contain more than two bedrooms.
- Must have its own separate (independent) heating and ventilation system which complies with the Alberta Building Code.
- The secondary suite and the primary dwelling must have electrically hardwired smoke alarms in each bedroom and all common areas, which must be interconnected.
- A secondary suite must not be subject to separation from the principal dwelling through a condominium conversion or subdivision.
Key points about Backyard Suites
- A backyard suite may or may not be permitted, depending on current zoning (land use district) and the principal dwelling on the site. Contact a Planning Officer and we can provide guidance on your intended project.
- The site must have access to an alley (rear lane) and there must be off-street parking allotted to the backyard suite that is accessed from the alley.
- A backyard suite must not be more than 85 m2 (915 sq. ft.) in gross floor area, excluding the floor area of a deck or stairway.
- Maximum building height of a backyard suite is 2 storeys.
- Must contain its own living, cooking, sleeping and bathroom facilities.
- Must not contain more than two bedrooms.
- Must have exterior finishing materials that are consistent with the principal dwelling.
- A backyard suite must not be subject to separation from the principal dwelling through a condominium conversion or subdivision.
Constructing a backyard suite involves the same regulations as building a new house. You must first obtain a development permit. Then, you may apply for a building permit and all trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical).
To learn more about house construction requirements, visit:
