Secondary Suite Pilot Update for Residents of the Southeast Quadrant:
Those residents of the Southeast Quadrant living in the area of the Secondary Suites pilot project need to be aware that the pilot is presently in place for one year which is due to expire October 2011. At that time it will be reviewed by Council to determine whether it should continue.
Council has decided to not pursue any enforcement action on existing illegal suites during the pilot project period in order to allow existing suites to secure permits and secure legal status. Please note that once a suite secures its legal status, it will maintain that status as long as it continues being used as a suite, with permits, even if the zoning bylaw is changed to remove secondary suites as a legal use. If an existing illegal suite does not receive a permit under this pilot project, it will be subject to bylaw enforcement after October 2011.
Suites are subject to requirements of the Zoning Bylaw and other applicable Bylaws and Regulations.
A Secondary Suite is defined as a self-contained dwelling unit, with no more than two bedrooms, located entirely within but clearly accessory and subordinate to a single family dwelling.
In order for a secondary suite to be authorized by the District, a number of bylaw and building code requirements must be met and these are detailed in the Guide to Secondary Suites on the District’s Website. A suite that is built to code and bylaw requirements can provide safe and affordable housing in our community. Secondary suites can also provide an extra source of income for families or enable elderly parents to live independently in the same home. Council recognizes and supports suites for these reasons.
For further information please contact Mark Brodrick, Director of Planning and Community Services at 250 - 655-5470, who will be pleased to assist.
