Can I build a secondary suite in any house in Vancouver?

Not every house in Vancouver can accommodate a secondary suite, but the vast majority can. While secondary suites are legal in all single-family zones throughout Vancouver, your specific property must meet certain safety, size, and zoning requirements to qualify.

Zoning and Legal Framework
Vancouver allows secondary suites in all single-family residential zones, including the new R1-1 Residential Inclusive Zone that replaced most former RS zones. This makes Vancouver one of the most permissive cities in Canada for secondary suites. However, your house must comply with the BC Building Code (BCBC 2024) safety requirements and Vancouver's specific secondary suite regulations.

Key Requirements Your House Must Meet

Your property needs adequate space for two separate dwelling units with independent entrances. The secondary suite must have its own separate entrance (not through the main house), proper egress windows in all bedrooms, fire separation between units, and interconnected smoke alarms throughout both units. Ceiling heights must meet BCBC minimums - typically 7'6" for most rooms, though some basement areas may qualify with 7' ceilings.

Building Code and Safety Standards
The suite requires proper electrical service (often requiring panel upgrades), adequate plumbing rough-in, and sufficient heating. Basement suites need proper waterproofing and drainage, which can be challenging in older Vancouver homes. Kitchen ventilation must be independent from the main house, and sound transmission between units must meet BCBC requirements - this often means upgrading floor/ceiling assemblies in older homes.

When Secondary Suites Aren't Feasible
Some properties face significant obstacles: heritage-designated homes may have restrictions, properties with existing legal non-conforming uses might not qualify, and houses with structural issues, inadequate lot drainage, or insufficient ceiling heights may require extensive renovations. Properties in areas with combined sewer systems may need expensive sewer separation work during the renovation.

Permit Process and Registration
All secondary suites require building permits and must be registered with the City of Vancouver after completion. The permit process typically takes 6-12 weeks and costs $2,000-$5,000 depending on the scope of work required. Once completed, you'll receive a Certificate of Compliance and can legally rent the suite.

Professional Assessment Recommended
Before proceeding, have a qualified contractor or designer assess your property's suitability. They can identify potential challenges like structural modifications, electrical upgrades, or drainage improvements that might affect project feasibility and costs, which typically range from $25,000-$75,000 for a basic basement suite conversion.