Secondary suites, nestled within single detached homes or duplexes, are revolutionizing the housing landscape in Port Moody. These self-contained living units, complete with kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping accommodations, offer a myriad of benefits to both renters and homeowners alike. These are Port Moody homes/ house with 2 kitchens. If the secondary suite is legal and rented, the lenders will consider the income from the suite when qualifying buyers for a mortgage. These homes are commonly called Port Moody Homes/ Houses with mortgage helper.

Moreover, secondary suites offer homeowners the chance to downsize without leaving their community. By converting a portion of their property into a rental unit, homeowners can supplement their income while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. This not only provides financial flexibility but also contributes to the overall vibrancy and diversity of the community.

The evolution of secondary suites in Port Moody is a testament to the city’s commitment to housing accessibility and exclusivity. In 2004, the City of Port Moody took a significant step forward by amending its Zoning Bylaw to permit secondary suites in all single detached residential zones (except for Manufactured Homes Parks). Building upon this foundation, the city further expanded its housing options in 2018 by allowing secondary suites in duplex zones.

As Port Moody continues to grow and evolve, secondary suites play a pivotal role in meeting the diverse housing needs of its residents. Whether renting out these units or utilizing them as living quarters for extended family members, secondary suites offer a flexible and sustainable approach to housing that aligns with the city’s vision for a thriving and inclusive community.

Requirements for constructing a secondary suite

• Smoke Alarms – Smoke alarms are mandatory in every bedroom and outside each bedroom area, separating them from the rest of the floor space. Additionally, smoke alarms must be installed on every floor of the building.
• Fire separation – To prevent the spread of fire and smoke from the suite to the rest of the home during a fire, a fire separation is necessary between the suite and the main dwelling. This separation typically consists of a wall and/or ceiling constructed with drywall.
• Plumbing – Each dwelling must include essential fixtures such as a kitchen sink, a bathtub or shower, a bathroom sink, and a water closet.
• Doors – Both the secondary suite and the main home must have at least one exit door, each with a minimum width of 2 feet 8 inches and a height of 6 feet 6 inches. Additionally, these exit doors must open directly to the outside.
• Bedroom windows – Each bedroom must have a window that opens to the outside, providing a secondary means of escape in case of fire. The window opening must be at least 3.76 square feet in area, with no dimension less than 15 inches (for example, 23 inches by 23 inches or 15 inches by 36 inches). Security bars are not allowed on these windows.
• Heating systems – Winter heating is required in each room of the secondary suite. Furthermore, to prevent the spread of smoke and fire, it is prohibited for a secondary suite and the main house to share a common forced air heating system, unless they have fire dampers and additional smoke alarms.
• Ventilation – According to the B.C. Building Code (B.C.B.C.), every bathroom and kitchen must have an exhaust fan vented to the exterior. Additionally, a secondary suite must have a ventilation system in place to ensure proper circulation of fresh air throughout the unit.
• Gas and Electrical – Obtaining permits for gas and electric alterations is necessary, and they must be secured from Technical Safety BC.
• Parking – An extra off-street parking spot is required for the secondary suite, in addition to the main house’s parking. This spot must be on the property, independently accessible, and not encroach on public areas.

Decommissioning a secondary suite

Decommissioning a secondary suite is a process that involves several steps to ensure compliance with regulations. One of the key requirements is the removal or modification of cooking facilities, such as stoves or ovens, as well as bathing facilities. Additionally, creating a permanent opening between the suite and the rest of the house may be necessary to integrate the space back into the primary dwelling. By following these steps, applicants can effectively decommission their secondary suite and bring their property into compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.

For more information about Port Moody Homes/ Houses with suites (Homes with Mortgage helper) check Port Moody city website. You will find which documents are required for a Secondary suite permit application, what Port Moody City services are available to you, what should you consider when designing a Port Moody Home/ House with suite, etc. Check the brochure from Port Moody city for Homes/ Houses with Suite (Homes/ Houses with 2 kitchens).