• There can only be one secondary suite within each dwelling unit.
• A backyard suite and a secondary suite cannot be located on the same property
• You must indicate on your plans:
  • The location of the amenity space for the suite
  • The location and size of parking being provided for the suite

If you have questions or need clarification on the Land Use Bylaw rules, or have general permit questions, please contact the Planning Services Centre.

Each bedroom must have at least one window that can be fully opened and used to escape during an emergency, such as a fire. Information about the window, including if it is existing, proposed, the size and type must be included on your plans.

• The windows must be openable without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge and without the removal of sashes or hardware.
• The window must have an unobstructed opening of 0.35 m2 (3.8 ft2) in area and no dimension less than 380 mm (15").
• If a casement-type window is used, it must swing open a full 90 degrees.
• Refer to Building Advisory A19-005 - Egress Window Guidelines for more details.

Window wells

• An existing window well must provide a minimum clearance of 550 mm (21.5") in front of the window.
• If installing a new window, the window well must provide a minimum clearance of 760 mm (30") in front of the window.

Casement window

Horizontal sliding window

Vertical sliding window

Inward swinging awning window

Adding or increasing window size

• Foundation walls can only have a certain number of openings before the integrity of that wall is compromised. Adding new windows or increasing the size of existing windows in a concrete foundation impacts the wall’s ability to resist soil pressure.
• The Building Code restricts opening sizes and configurations by allowing a certain percentage of openings and opening sizes on a single wall. 
  • For example, a single window may be 1.2 m (4 ft) in width while two windows, spaced less than their average width apart, are considered one large opening. 
  • When adding multiple windows in one wall, the maximum width of all windows combined cannot be more than 25% of the wall length.
• Openings that exceed any of the above requirements must be designed by a professional engineer registered in the province of Alberta. When submitting your application, you will need to provide the engineered stamped drawings with your application.

You must ensure your suite tenants can safely exit in the event of a fire or emergency. There are additional requirements to consider when the only exit for a suite is served by an exterior staircase, where a window or opening is located directly above the stairway:

• Option A: Installing glass block or wired glass in fixed steel frames on the windows of the primary home.
• Option B: Constructing a roof over the entirety of the exterior exit stair out of solid material such as wood, metal or concrete.

Option A:

If you install glass block or wired glass:

• Windows that are less than 3 m horizontally and less than 10 m below or less than 5 m above the exit stair need to be protected.
• Windows on the primary entrance that do not expose to the stairwell do not need protection.
•  Only fixed, non-operable windows can be protected in this way.
• Bedroom windows must be operable.

Option B shows an exterior stairwell with a roof providing protection from the window above it.​

More information on Unenclosed Exterior Stairs can be found on the protection of openings near unenclosed exterior stairs and ramps advisory.

For pre-existing secondary suites, the use of a single heating and ventilation system to serve both the main dwelling and the secondary suite is acceptable under the Alberta Fire Code.

Secondary suites must have:

• A supply of hot water and at least one kitchen sink, toilet and a bathtub or shower.
• A back-flow prevention device on the branch drains of the sanitary sewer line.

For more information, refer to the following advisories:

• Secondary suites, backwater valves, and protection from backflow
• Secondary suites, shut off valves, and potable water distribution systems

When applying online you will be required to complete and submit:

1. owner declaration form
2. existing secondary suite information sheet
3. Colored photos of your existing suite
   Note: The photos must be combined into one file to successfully submit online.

Photo requirements

Please ensure your colored photo submission includes pictures of the following:

• The entryway into the suite, from the outside (including the stairwell into the suite if applicable).
• The entryway into the suite, from the inside (including the stairwell into the suite if applicable).
• The suite kitchen (please ensure all cooking appliances are visible).
• The suite bathroom.
• The parking area (located on the property only).
• The outdoor amenity space area / yard that tenants can use for recreation.
• The mechanical / furnace room showing the ceiling.
• Each window in a bedroom / sleeping area (include a photo from the inside and the outside).

Prepare the required documents and plans

Building and development permit application requirements

Specific drawing and supporting document requirements are listed on the permit checklist. You must provide all the required drawings and documents when you submit your application.

Supporting documents

1. Owner declaration

Plans

Sample drawings have been provided to assist you with completing your requirements – you should provide everything listed on the checklist as shown on the Sample Drawings.

1. Site plan

• Tip: You can modify a Real Property Report (RPR) to use as your site Plan.
• You must note where the suite amenity space, parking and suite entrance are located

2. Floor plans

• You will need to provide floor plans for each floor of your house (i.e. basement, main floor, second floor, etc)
  
• Label the purpose of how each room is used (i.e. kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc)
• Size, type and operation of windows for the suite
• Label the area of the secondary suite (in square feet or square meters)

3. Elevations

• An elevation drawing is a 2D view of the exterior walls of the house
• Indicate the locations and dimensions of all windows, doors and exterior stairs
• You will need to provide elevation drawings of each side of the house