Adding a suite to your home

What codes apply when adding a suite to my home?

When a suite is added to a home, it is required to comply with applicable codes under the Safety Codes Act such as building, electrical, gas and plumbing.

What do I need to do to add a suite to my home?

Contact the Inspections and Licensing department to determine if a development permit for the suite is required.

If a development permit is not required in order to construct a suite (permitted use):
♦ All required safety code permits (building, heating, electrical, plumbing and gas) must be obtained from the Inspections and Licensing department.
♦ When all required inspections are complete, an occupancy permit will be issued.

If a development permit is required (discretionary use):
Your application must include the following:

♦ Plot plan- two copies
♦ Number of parking stalls and their size indicated on the plot plan.
Building elevations- two copies of the exteriors of all sides of the house (photos are fine).
♦ Floor plan- how will the suite be accessed and laid out.
♦ An information notice will go to the neighbourhood informing them The City has received an application for secondary suite.
♦ The application will go before the Municipal Planning Commission and any concerns from neighbours will be considered.
♦ If the suite is approved and no appeals are received, the development permit can be issued.
♦ In order to construct the suite, all required safety code permits must be obtained from the Inspections and Licensing department.
♦ When all required inspections have been completed, an occupancy permit can be issued.

How long does the approval process take?
The entire development permit application process could take up to 10 weeks from start to finish.  This time frame doesn't include building, fire or mechanical permit inspections that may be needed.

How much will it cost?
♦ If a development permit is not required, the fee is the cost required for all safety code permits.
♦ If a development permit is required, the fee is $400 for the application process, which will include a site inspection, public consultation, development fees and an occupancy permit. Additional fees will be required for the required safety code permits.

Inspections and Licensing will maintain records of all homes with a secondary suite occupancy permit.

Penalties are in place for a homeowner who allows tenants to occupy a suite without permits or homeowners who apply for permits but do not comply with the conditions of the permit.

What does discretionary use mean?
Discretionary use is the use of land, such as a secondary suite, that may be approved by the Municipal Planning Commission after consideration is given to the impact of the suite on neighbours.  Things like parking, noise and other impacts are reviewed.

This information has been brought to you by the City of Red Deer. For more information about secondary suites in Red Deer visit their website or contact:

Inspections & Licensing
The City of Red Deer
Phone: 403-342-8190
inspections@reddeer.ca