Secondary Suite
Secondary suites in Saanich
There are at least 9,000 secondary suites in Saanich according to a report by municipal planning staff in February, 2010. This means that 30 to 40 per cent of single-family homes have one. Secondary suites are currently illegal under Saanich Zoning Bylaw 8200.
Saanich planning staff have recommended an amendment to the bylaw to legalize secondary suites, subject to several conditions.
In response to these recommendations and input from the community, the District of Saanich will soon legalize secondary suites in a test area south of McKenzie Avenue. Under the new bylaw, which should come into effect at the end of August, existing suits will be recognized and efforts will be made to convert them to meet the legal regulations.
What is a secondary suite?
The Municipality of Saanich currently defines secondary suites as “an additional dwelling unit located within a building of residential occupancy containing one other dwelling unit” They are currently prohibited under Saanich Zoning Bylaw 8200 Section 5.24.
What does this mean for homeowners?
Under the new bylaw existing suites will be required to meet the BC Building Code and pass an inspection. The BC Building Code is available at the public library or on request from the District of Saanich.
A property with a secondary suite in Saanich must meet the following requirements:
- No more than one secondary suite is permitted per lot and/or single family dwelling;
- The secondary suite must be wholly contained within the single family dwelling;
- The registered owner of the property must occupy the residence as their primary dwelling;
- A building occupancy permit for the secondary suite must be approved by the District of Saanich;
- One additional on-site parking stall for the tenant must be provided and approved by the District of Saanich;
- The total number of kitchens within the single family dwelling, including the secondary suite, may not exceed two; and
- Boarding is not permitted within the secondary suite.
Secondary Suite
Parking
Parking is an area of concern for many Saanich residents who are already dealing with issues around street parking availability. Although secondary suites may increase demand for parking space, parking on streets appears to be an inevitable reality with or without legal suites.
The Municipality of Saanich has recommended a committee be formed to work on parking solutions. Neighbours may be encouraged to rent out extra parking spots on their property.
Status of other suites in the area
Secondary suites are not legal in Oak Bay or Esquimalt. The City of Victoria permits the use of secondary suites. Secondary suites are permitted in Central Saanich as long as the owner of the suite lives in either the suite or the residential single family building.Secondary suites are permitted in the Municipality of Langford as long as the suite exists in an owner-occupied one family dwelling.
Resources:
Canada Revenue Agency – Rental Income
