Secondary Suites

NEW! Online Building Permit Applications

The City is now accepting online applications for all building permits including demolitions, tenant improvements, home renovations, agricultural buildings, new residential homes, secondary suites, and swimming pools!

Please ensure to review our building permit application guides and submission checklists to ensure you have all of the required documents ready to make your application. Having the correct documents submitted with your application will contribute to a quicker review and issuance of your building permit; missing the correct documents may result in your application being rejected and application fees being forfeited.

Applying online is the quickest and easiest way to get your building permit application in the queue!

Apply for Building Permits Online

A secondary suite is defined in the City of Abbotsford Zoning Bylaw as a Dwelling Unit that is Accessory to, and within, a principal Dwelling Unit, and is part of the same real estate entity. A secondary suite is a portion of a single detached home which is established as a separate dwelling unit from the principal part of the house. It is typically a finished basement with cooking facilities, a separate entrance from the exterior, and has a lockable, fire-rated door between it and the remainder of the principal dwelling.

Secondary suites are required to be registered with the City. Registration confirms that suites comply with the BC Building Code and Abbotsford Zoning Bylaw, 2014. A number of legal, health, life safety, fire protection, and zoning requirements must be met for the suites to be registered.

What You Need to Know

Through BC Housing, there is an incentive program to offset costs of creating a secondary suite. Please visit BC Housing's website for more information.

Review the application guide below which will help you in planning your project and determine what will be required in your permit application. The application guide and related checklists will assist in understanding which documents are needed for your application.

Residential Alterations Application Guide

Checklists & Forms

Unauthorized Suites and Suite Removal