Secondary Suites

Secondary Suites

On March 10, 2014, Council approved a new Zoning Bylaw permitting one secondary suite in a single family, residential, detached dwelling subject to specific conditions.  

'Secondary Suite' means a dwelling unit that is an accessory to a single detached dwelling and is comprised of one or more habitable rooms, intended for use as a separate and independent residence. A secondary suite contains sleeping facilities, a bathroom, and cooking facilities that are for the exclusive use of the occupant(s) of the suite.  

Your Secondary Suite:  

  • May not exceed  90m2 in total floor area or 40% of the habitable floor space of the building, whichever is less
  • Must be fully contained within the principal residence
  • Each dwelling with a suite is required to provide an additional off-street parking space.  Two parking spaces are required for the principal dwelling, plus one additional space for the suite for a total of three off-street parking spaces.
  • Is only permitted in an owner-occupied single family dwelling.  Secondary Suites are not permitted in multi-family dwellings, duplexes, mobile homes, or commercial/industrial buildings.
  • Must have a civic address assigned by the City Building Inspector or Manager of Planning.
 
For more information, please contact
Rob Gaudreault
Building and Plumbing Inspector

4850 Argyle Street
Port Alberni BC V9Y 1V8

Telephone: 
250.720.2832