Before you get started
Before you decide to proceed with renovations to your home or to a garage for a secondary suite, the following information should be reviewed and considered. We recommend meeting with the staff of Planning and Development Services to discuss the applicable bylaws and acts associated with your project.
How large can the secondary suite be?
- Maximum size of secondary suite within the urban services area (Sherwood Park and other hamlets) is 80 sq. m (861 sq. ft.) and it is 100 sq. m (1076 sq. ft.) in all other areas
- In addition to the above, it cannot exceed 40% of the gross floor area of the main house
- Minimum size is 30 sq. m (323 sq. ft.) and must contain at least two rooms in which a bedroom, cooking facilities and bathroom are provided
What are the design requirements?
- The design and character of the residential neighborhood shall not be altered by the addition of the suite
- A manufactured home (or suite not connected to a house or garage) cannot be considered under the secondary suite regulations but may be able to be considered as a secondary or family care dwelling depending on the parcel size and circumstances
- The specific height, setbacks from property lines and site coverage allowances can be viewed in this zoning quick link. To view the regulations in their entirety see the Land Use Bylaw 8-2001 specifically, section 9.26.
- One secondary suite per house can be considered and cannot be located where there is already a family care dwelling, group home, care centre or bed and breakfast
Is additional parking required for the residents of the suite?
- A minimum of three onsite parking stalls must be provided (two for the principal dwelling and one for the secondary suite) which conform to parking regulations
What building, electrical, plumbing & gas codes do I need to know about?
Some of the most commonly asked code requirements are outlined below. A full review of your project and how it relates to the various regulations under the Land Use Bylaw and Safety Codes Acts will be conducted along with your permit submissions.
- Bedrooms must contain at least one window having a minimum unobstructed opening of 3.77 sq. ft. in area and no height or width can be less than 15 in.
- Smoke alarms must be hard-wired and interconnected with the main house so they will operate in unison (for suites within the house)
- Exit can be provided either by direct exterior exit or an exit with stairs leading from the basement to a main floor entry (that has a doorway to the outside)
- Fire protected walls and ceiling (use of 1/2 in. drywall) are required between a basement suite and the main house as well as around common exits
- Electrical, plumbing and gas work must be done by a certified professional (eg. master electrician, journeyman trades person).
- Heating and ventilation for the suite must be independent from the main house (for basement suites as well)
- Gas furnaces and water heaters have to be enclosed in a room with fire protected walls and ceiling (use of 1/2 in. drywall)
- Water and sewer must be provided through the main house (except for garage suites on acreages and farms which may have their own systems)
- Ceiling height minimum for secondary suites is 6.4 ft. (1.95 m)
- Garage suites must meet the regulations of the Alberta Building Code, as if building a house.
What permits will I need and how do I obtain them?
We would like to discuss your project with you prior to your submission of the permit applications. You can visit our office or call 780-464-8080 to speak to an Information Officer.
Last updated: Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Page ID: 2925