Secondary Suites

Definition of a Secondary Suite

A secondary suite is an accessory dwelling unit located within a residential detached building. The two dwelling units (the primary residence and the secondary suite) and any common spaces make up a single real estate entity that cannot be stratified or otherwise legally separated from the other. A suite does not consider the occupants (family or not) or if rental income is exchanged. 

Types of Secondary Suites

View Royal allows two types of secondary suites. The first type is "Type 2" secondary suite, which is a suite that was issued a permit before September 1, 2007 as a pre-existing unit that was not inspected for BC Building code compliance. The second type is a secondary suite that is approved through a building permit and meets the current BC Building Code.  

Residential Zones Permitting Secondary Suites

Secondary suites are permitted in most residential zones that permit a single-family dwelling, subject to meeting the Zoning Bylaw and BC Building Code requirements. It is important to note that some properties within a permitted zone may not be able to meet these requirements and therefore are not eligible to have a secondary suite. See Secondary Suite requirements below to determine the zoning of your property, please refer to the Zoning Map.

Secondary Suite Requirements

All new secondary suites are required to be installed through a building permit to ensure compliance with the BC Building code and Town bylaws. Secondary suites eligibility requirements are described in the following sections of the Zoning Bylaw:

  • 4.1 - Secondary Suites
  • 4.2 - Home Occupation
  • 5.8 - Secondary Suite Parking
  • 5.10 - Parking and Loading Schedule

For building permit information and applications to install a secondary suite into an existing building, or to include one in new construction, please review the information provided on our website on the Building Permits page.

Type 2 Secondary Suites

A Type 2 secondary suite is a pre-existing unit that was not inspected for BC Building code compliance. Type 2 secondary Suites were also issued permits before September 1, 2007. No Type 2 permits were issued after September 1, 2007. Owners are required to renew their annual Type 2 Secondary Suite Permit each year before March 1. The annual renewal fee is $100.00

If a homeowner of a Type 2 suite obtains a building permit for works that would bring the existing secondary suite into compliance with the current BC Building Code, once complete, that suite would no longer be required to maintain an annual permit or pay any further renewal fees.

Annual Renewal Process
The annual renewal is done by completing and submitting the Secondary Suite Renewal Form  and renewal fee. This can be done in person at Town Hall, by mail, or by deposit in the Town Hall drop slot (just left of the main doors)

Failure to Meet the Renewal Deadline
Type 2 permits that are not renewed before March 1 will be considered lapsed. Should your permit lapse, you will be required to obtain a building permit for any works required to deem your suite compliant with the current BC Building Code.

New Homeowner with a Type 2 Secondary Suite
If you purchased a home that has a Type 2 secondary suite permit, please contact Building Services at buildingpermits@viewroyal.ca or 250-708-2256 to update the permit holder information.

Decommissioning a Secondary Suite

If you plan to permanently remove the secondary suite from your dwelling, a Part 9 Minor Projects building permit is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a business license required for a secondary suite?
No, the Town does not issue business licenses for secondary suites.

How do I confirm if a suite is permitted "legal"?
Confirmation can be obtained by contacting the Building Department at buildingpermits@viewroyal.ca.  

How many secondary suites can I have?
A homeowner is permitted to have one secondary suite within the principal building. 

Can I have a secondary suite in a separate building on my property?
Those dwelling units are referred to as Garden Suites. 

Can I rent my suite out on a short-term basis?
Please visit the Province of British Columbia’s website for more information on residential tenancies. Information on the Residential Tenancy Act is available here. Secondary suites are not permitted to be non-residential commercial overnight accommodation, including vacation rentals, Airbnb, etc., regardless of length of stay. 

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