Secondary Suites

Secondary suites are permitted within a single detached dwelling in any of the following zones.

Rural Zones: FG (Forestry and Grazing), A (Agriculture), RC (Country Residential)

Urban Residential Zones: R1 (Large Lot Residential), R2 (Small Lot Residential), R3 (Small Lot Residential: Lane), RD1 (Duplex Housing), RD2 (Duplex Housing: Lane), RD3 (Residential Infill), RD4 (Low Density Cluster Housing) and RM1 (Low Density Cluster Housing).

Review the Secondary Suite Bulletin or Zoning Bylaw for further information.

Zoning Regulations and Limitations

City of Penticton Zoning Bylaw 2023-08 as amended from time to time, has a number of regulations which encourage the successful integration of secondary suites into single family areas.  Adherence to these regulations must be shown on building plans drawn to scale and including a compliance table.

• Minimum gross floor area: 32m2
• Amenity space: 15m2 each for the principal dwelling and the secondary suite
• Parking: One space in addition to the required parking for the single detached dwelling.
• Limitations of suites: Only one secondary suite shall be permitted per single detached dwelling.
• Sewer service: Secondary suites must be connected to a community sewer system unless the lot is 830m2 or larger and meets the requirements for an on-site sewer management system as regulated by the Public Health Act.
• Strata title: A secondary suite may not be sited or located on a separate parcel from the principal residence or be created as a strata lot within a single detached dwelling.

Getting an occupancy permit for a pre-existing suite is a similar process to constructing a new suite. Evidence must be provided through the building permit process that the suite generally conforms to the BC Building Code requirements for secondary suites.

Plans must be provided that show that the work that was done was completed in line with the BC Building Code. Alternatively, a report from a registered professional confirming that the suite meets the minimum health and safety standards may be submitted with the building permit application. Either way, an inspection of the existing suite by a city Building Inspector will be required before the suite can legally be occupied.

Prior to making plans to create a carriage house, speak with your neighbouring property owners to take into consideration any concerns they may have. Integrate parking and amenity areas in a way that will not infringe on the privacy of neighbouring residents or in a way that changes the character of the existing neighbourhood. City staff are available to help with planning for your carriage house.

Before you get started, please contact our Building and Planning department to arrange your free pre-application meeting. We’ll take a look at your concept plans and guide you toward which steps may be required. This also helps expedite the permit application process. Ph: 250-490-2501 or email development@penticton.ca. Please allow two working days’ notice to schedule.

To apply for a building permit from the City of Penticton, you’ll need to supply the following:

• A completed application package, available to download from our Building Permits Applications & Forms page.
• Agency agreement (if the property owner wishes to assign an agent to make the application on their behalf)

Please note that incomplete application packages will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant. Be sure to check the Building Bulletins page for new rules or bylaws that may affect your project.

Building Department
Phone: 250-490-2501
Email: buildinginfo@penticton.ca

Planning Department
Phone: 250 490-2501 
Email: planning@penticton.ca

For information involving business licences, contact:
Business Licensing
Phone: 250-490-2488
Email: businesslicences@penticton.ca