Residential Suites Update


Update (May 29, 2019): Proposed Zoning Bylaw amendments to allow secondary suites and garden suites as a permitted use on single-family lots in more urban residential areas of the city passed initial readings at Council on May 28, and will be considered at a Public Hearing at the Valley First Lounge (Sandman Centre) on June 25th at 7:00 pm. A Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw amendment to require a business licence for single-family homes with suites that are not owner-occupied will also be considered. Pending adoption of the bylaw amendments, City staff will present an updated suite enforcement policy for Council consideration. Click here to view the Administrative Report to Council.

The City is considering changes to the Zoning Bylaw to allow suites in more residential areas of the city. Suites can provide a form of affordable rental housing for tenants, and act as a mortgage helper for homeowners. Suites help the City increase density in an efficient way by making use of existing services and infrastructure while offering a form of sensitive infill that retains the character of residential neighbourhoods.

Challenges can arise when suites are not constructed under a valid Building Permit or in accordance with zoning regulations. Suites built to BC Building Code standards help protect tenants’ health and safety, and off-street parking requirements in the Zoning Bylaw can help alleviate on-street parking issues in neighbourhoods.

Secondary suites (second dwelling units located within a principal building) are currently permitted in certain zones in urban areas of the city. The City is considering allowing secondary suites as a permitted use on lots with single-family dwellings in all urban neighbourhoods, subject to zoning regulations. Urban neighbourhoods include: Aberdeen, Batchelor Heights, Brocklehurst, Campbell Creek, Dallas, Downtown, Dufferin, Juniper Ridge, Lower Sahali, North Kamloops, Pineview, Sagebrush, Upper Sahali, Valleyview, West End, and Westsyde.

Garden suites (one-storey accessory residential dwellings) and carriage suites (two-storey accessory residential dwellings) are currently only permitted on lots with single-family dwellings in the RS-1S zone (Single Family Residential - Suite). The City is considering allowing garden suites as a permitted use on lots with a single-family dwelling in more urban residential areas of the city. Carriage suites have the potential to have a more significant impact on neighbourhood character than garden suites and will continue to require a rezoning and Development Permit process.


Update (May 29, 2019): Proposed Zoning Bylaw amendments to allow secondary suites and garden suites as a permitted use on single-family lots in more urban residential areas of the city passed initial readings at Council on May 28, and will be considered at a Public Hearing at the Valley First Lounge (Sandman Centre) on June 25th at 7:00 pm. A Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw amendment to require a business licence for single-family homes with suites that are not owner-occupied will also be considered. Pending adoption of the bylaw amendments, City staff will present an updated suite enforcement policy for Council consideration. Click here to view the Administrative Report to Council.

The City is considering changes to the Zoning Bylaw to allow suites in more residential areas of the city. Suites can provide a form of affordable rental housing for tenants, and act as a mortgage helper for homeowners. Suites help the City increase density in an efficient way by making use of existing services and infrastructure while offering a form of sensitive infill that retains the character of residential neighbourhoods.

Challenges can arise when suites are not constructed under a valid Building Permit or in accordance with zoning regulations. Suites built to BC Building Code standards help protect tenants’ health and safety, and off-street parking requirements in the Zoning Bylaw can help alleviate on-street parking issues in neighbourhoods.

Secondary suites (second dwelling units located within a principal building) are currently permitted in certain zones in urban areas of the city. The City is considering allowing secondary suites as a permitted use on lots with single-family dwellings in all urban neighbourhoods, subject to zoning regulations. Urban neighbourhoods include: Aberdeen, Batchelor Heights, Brocklehurst, Campbell Creek, Dallas, Downtown, Dufferin, Juniper Ridge, Lower Sahali, North Kamloops, Pineview, Sagebrush, Upper Sahali, Valleyview, West End, and Westsyde.

Garden suites (one-storey accessory residential dwellings) and carriage suites (two-storey accessory residential dwellings) are currently only permitted on lots with single-family dwellings in the RS-1S zone (Single Family Residential - Suite). The City is considering allowing garden suites as a permitted use on lots with a single-family dwelling in more urban residential areas of the city. Carriage suites have the potential to have a more significant impact on neighbourhood character than garden suites and will continue to require a rezoning and Development Permit process.