Getting your suite up to code

What is an existing suite?
An existing suite is a suite constructed within a single family dwelling, prior to the adoption of the amendments to the Land Use Bylaw made on December 14, 2009.

What do I need to do to make my suite legal?
Contact the Inspections and Licensing department to determine if the suite is a permitted or discretionary use.

Permitted use:
No development permit is required
All required safety code permits must be in place
All required permit inspections must be completed

Discretionary use:
A development permit is required and the application must include:
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.

If your suite was built before December 31, 2006:
Site and safety inspections will be arranged for the suite to address the Fire Code and development issues.  Following inspections and a commitment from the owner to maintain the suite:

An information notice will go to the neighbourhood informing them The City has received an application for a 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.
If any construction is required as noted within the initial inspection, all required safety code permits must be obtained from Inspections and Licensing.
When all required inspections are complete, an occupancy permit will be issued.

 
If your suite was built after December 31, 2006:
A confirmation that all required safety code permits were obtained (permit numbers) must be submitted.
Required safety code permit inspections must be arranged.
A site inspection will be arranged to address development issues.
Following inspections, and a commitment from the owner to maintain the suite, a notice will go out to the neighbourhood informing them The City has received an application for a 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.
If any construction is required as noted within the initial inspection, all required safety code permits must be obtained from Inspections and Licensing.
When all required inspections are complete, an occupancy permit will be issued.

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

How long do I have to get my suite approved?
An owner of an existing suite has until July 1, 2010 to come forward to The City to register the suite. As long as a suite is registered with The City, it will not be subject to penalties.

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. The City will maintain records of all homes with a secondary suite occupancy permit. 

This information has been brought to you by The City of Red Deer. For more information about secondary suites in Red Deer, click on the link to the left and visit their website or contact:

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