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Council approves change to secondary suite bylaw

In a brief meeting on Monday night, city council approved a change to the bylaw governing secondary suites. Previously the city restricted secondary suites to 40 per cent of the total floor area of the home, to a maximum of 90 square metres (968.
City hall WEB

In a brief meeting on Monday night, city council approved a change to the bylaw governing secondary suites. 

Previously the city restricted secondary suites to 40 per cent of the total floor area of the home, to a maximum of 90 square metres (968.75 square feet).

The change approved on Monday eliminated the 90 sq. metre maximum, but keeps the 40 per cent limit on the total floor space. 

"It makes the bylaw comply with the B.C. Building Code," city general manager of planning and development Ian Wells said.

For homes less than 2,450 sq. feet (227.6 sq. metres) the change will have no effect, as the 40 per cent limit would still be smaller than 90 sq. metres.

Secondary suites continue to be restricted to single-detached houses on lots 12 metres wide or wider. Homes are limited to a single secondary suite, and they are prohibited for homes being used as bed and breakfasts, agri-tourist accommodations, community care facilities, boarding or lodging houses. Homes with secondary residences on the same lot are also prohibited from having secondary suites, under the bylaw.