--- title: Build a Legal Secondary Suite description: Discover the benefits of building a legal secondary suite in your new home, and learn the requirements to ensure it is built to code. image: https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/hubfs/secondary-suite-blog-picture.jpg --- [![Cedarglen HOMES](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/hubfs/Cedarglenhomes_January2019/Images/logo.svg "Cedarglen HOMES")](https://www.cedarglenhomes.com/) - [Home Page](https://www.cedarglenhomes.com/) - Homes - [Models](https://cedarglenhomes.com/models/) - [Showhomes](https://cedarglenhomes.com/showhomes/) - [Quick Possessions](https://cedarglenhomes.com/quick-possessions/) - [Virtual Tours](https://cedarglenhomes.com/virtual-tours/) - Communities - [Community Map](https://cedarglenhomes.com/communities/) - [Aspen Spring Estates](https://cedarglenhomes.com/communities/aspen-spring-estates/) - [Belmont](https://cedarglenhomes.com/communities/belmont/) - [Cranston's Riverstone](https://cedarglenhomes.com/communities/cranstons-riverstone/) - [CreekView](https://www.cedarglenhomes.com/communities/creekview/) - [Glacier Ridge](https://cedarglenhomes.com/communities/glacier-ridge/) - [Livingston](https://cedarglenhomes.com/communities/livingston/) - [Logan Landing](https://www.cedarglenhomes.com/communities/logan-landing/) - [Rockland Park](https://cedarglenhomes.com/communities/rockland-park/) - [Seton](https://cedarglenhomes.com/communities/seton/) - [West Grove Estates](https://cedarglenhomes.com/communities/west-grove-estates/) - Experience - [Homebuilding Journey](https://cedarglenhomes.com/homebuilding-journey/) - [Personalization](https://cedarglenhomes.com/personalization/) - [Studio 81](https://cedarglenhomes.com/studio-81/) - [Inspiration](https://cedarglenhomes.com/inspiration/) - [Net Zero](https://cedarglenhomes.com/net-zero/) - Resource Centre - [Homebuyers](https://cedarglenhomes.com/homebuyers/) - [Homeowners](https://cedarglenhomes.com/homeowners/) - [Blog](https://www.cedarglenhomes.com/blog/) - About - [Why Cedarglen Homes](https://cedarglenhomes.com/about-cedarglen/why-cedarglen-homes/) - [Meet The Team](https://cedarglenhomes.com/meet-the-team/) - [Reviews](https://cedarglenhomes.com/about-cedarglen/reviews/) - [Awards](https://cedarglenhomes.com/awards/) - [Careers](https://www.cedarglenhomes.com/careers/) - [Contact](https://cedarglenhomes.com/contact/) ![Builder of Choice](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cedarglenhomes_January2019/Images/communities-details-banner.jpg?width=1904&name=communities-details-banner.jpg) ## Cedarglen Homes Blog ## Filter - [Communities](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/tag/communities) - [Cedarglen News](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/tag/cedarglen-news) - [Miscellaneous](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/tag/miscellaneous) - [Home Buying Tips](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/tag/home-buying-tips) - [Construction & Design](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/tag/construction-design) - [Care & Maintenance](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/tag/care-maintenance) - [Models](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/tag/models) - [Seasonal](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/tag/seasonal) - [Promotions](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/tag/promotions) ![Build a Legal Secondary Suite](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/hubfs/secondary-suite-blog-picture.jpg) 17 Apr 2020 #### Build a Legal Secondary Suite It is no secret that Calgary is growing at a steady rate and with this growth comes the need to make better use of the city’s existing footprint. While condos and townhomes are becoming more prominent in the current real estate market, secondary suites are also creating a name for themselves. Calgary is one of few cities across Canada that permits secondary suites, creating a unique opportunity for homeowners and renters. In May of 2018, Calgary City Council approved amendments to the [Land Use Bylaw](http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Calgary-Land-Use-bylaw-1P2007/Calgary-Land-Use-Bylaw-1P2007.aspx) that allows secondary suites as discretionary use within certain districts. This now means that applicants can apply for a development permit and all fees will be waived until **December 31, 2021**. Now what exactly is a secondary suite and what is required for it to be deemed legal? A secondary suite can be classified as a separate living space created within a property originally designed to accommodate a single family. It is a private, self-contained unit that most commonly takes the form of a basement suite, however, can also include garden suites, above-garage laneway units and in-law suites. Before choosing to create a secondary suite in your humble abode, it is important to consider that there are certain requirements that must be in place before a secondary suite can be deemed legal. **Requirements** - Separate entrance/exit leading directly outside - Full kitchen, including an oven and hood fan - Full bathroom dedicated to the suite - Each bedroom must have at least one egress window - Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector that is connected to main residence. - Second forced air furnace and HRV dedicated to the suite - Smoke tight separation between suite and main residence (including ceiling, walls and doors) - Designated parking stall - Shared amenities yard space - Adhere to [Calgary Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 Part 5, division 6: R-1S and Division 8: R2](http://lub.calgary.ca/). **Recommendations** - Increase hot water tank size - Provide separate laundry where possible. If separate laundry cannot be provided, then you *must *be able to provide shared laundry. - Storage space The city of Calgary has made it easier than ever to check if your property qualifies for a secondary suite. Simply click [here](http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Home-building-and-renovations/Applying-For-A-Secondary-Suite.aspx), then fill in your address and it will determine the requirements for that specific area. Although there are many rules and regulations that must be followed, there are countless [benefits](http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Home-building-and-renovations/Secondary-Suites.aspx?redirect=/suites#benefits) to be considered when creating a secondary suite - not only for the homeowner but for renters and the City of Calgary alike. **Benefits of Secondary Suites** - To Homeowners: - To Renters: - To the City: While there are several reasons to pursue a secondary suite, it is essential that homeowners familiarize themselves with the changing rules and regulations. Cedarglen Homes is happy to help you build a secondary suite in your new home and ensure it follows all the necessary guidelines. Check out the [virtual tour](https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=jFro64BSW66) of our Carbon 26 showhome in Livingston where we built a full legal suite in the basement. Feel free to ask one of our [Area Sales Managers](https://www.cedarglenhomes.com/communities/) or [book a meeting](https://info.cedarglenhomes.com/visit-a-cedarglen-homes-showhome) with them directly to learn more.   **Sources:** [http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Home-building-and-renovations/Secondary-Suites.aspx?redirect=/suites](http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Home-building-and-renovations/Secondary-Suites.aspx?redirect=/suites) [http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Home-building-and-renovations/Applying-For-A-Secondary-Suite.aspx](http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Home-building-and-renovations/Applying-For-A-Secondary-Suite.aspx) [http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Calgary-Land-Use-bylaw-1P2007/Calgary-Land-Use-Bylaw-1P2007.aspx](http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Calgary-Land-Use-bylaw-1P2007/Calgary-Land-Use-Bylaw-1P2007.aspx) - - [Previous](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/worry-free-warranty) [Next](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/new-showhomes-in-seton) ### LATEST OR POPULAR POSTS LIST - 26 Oct 2023 #### [Not All Secondary Suites Are Created Equal...](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/secondary-suite-requirements) - 22 Sep 2023 #### [New Front-Attached Garage Showhomes in Rockland Park](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/new-front-attached-garage-showhomes-in-rockland-park) - 22 Aug 2023 #### [New Net Zero Certified Home in Rockland Park - Available for Quick Possession](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/net-zero-certified-quick-possession-0) - 15 Aug 2023 #### [Net Zero Certified Quick Possession Home in Glacier Ridge](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/net-zero-certified-quick-possession) - 10 Jul 2023 #### [Your Homebuilding Journey Passport](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/your-homebuilding-journey-passport) - 17 May 2023 #### [Managing Indoor Air Quality](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/managing-indoor-air-quality) - 25 Apr 2023 #### [Rockland Park - Sales Team of the Year](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/rockland-park-sales-team-of-the-year) ![Cedarglen HOMES](https://blog.cedarglenhomes.com/hubfs/Cedarglenhomes_January2019/Images/logo.png) #### Get in touch - 4770 110 Avenue S.E. 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