Pitt Meadows, in line with municipal regulations and zoning bylaws, permits secondary suites in certain residential zones, contributing to housing diversity and affordability within the community. Homeowners interested in incorporating secondary suites into their properties should familiarize themselves with Pitt Meadows’ specific regulations and requirements governing such dwellings.
These are Pitt Meadows 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 Pitt Meadows Homes/ Houses with mortgage helper.
What is a Secondary suite?
A secondary suite refers to a collection of rooms within a single-family residence, intentionally designed to function as an independent living unit while remaining connected to the main dwelling. Typically, a secondary suite comprises essential amenities such as a bathroom, a kitchen equipped with cooking facilities, and at least one bedroom.
What is a Duplex?
A duplex is two dwelling units that share a common wall and may be owned separately through a strata title.
Secondary suites are not permitted in a Duplex.
What is a Garden suite?
A garden suite, known by various names like carriage house, coach house, granny flat, or laneway housing, is a secondary dwelling unit positioned within a detached accessory building situated in the rear yard of the property. Garden suites can either be single-storey, at-grade units, or two-storey structures situated above a detached garage. These suites typically include essential amenities such as a bathroom, a kitchen equipped with cooking facilities, and at least one bedroom, offering homeowners additional living space and potential rental income opportunities.
Properties zoned RR, RS or R-1 with a single family house may be eligible to have either a secondary suite or a garden suite, but not both.
Requirements for Secondary Suites
- Secondary suites are permitted in the following zones:
- Agriculture: A-1, A-2
- Rural Residential: RR-1, RR-2, RR-3, RR-4, RR-5
- Urban Residential: RS, R-1
- Only one (1) suite per single family dwelling
- The suite must be between 33 m2 (355 sq ft) and 90 m2 (969 sq ft) in size and occupy no more than 40% of the house’s total floor area.
- Property owner must reside in either the main house or the suite, or retain a property management company based out of Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge or Port Coquitlam to manage the tenancies of both units
- One additional off-street parking space is required for the suite tenant
- All home-based businesses, except child care programs may be carried out within a secondary suite
- A suite is not permitted if the house and/or property has a bed & breakfast, boarders, or a garden suite
For more information about Pitt Meadows Homes/ Houses with suites (Homes with Mortgage helper) check Pitt Meadows city website. You will find which documents are required for a Secondary suite permit application, what Pitt Meadows City services are available to you, what should you consider when designing a Pitt Meadows Home/ House with suite, etc. Check Pitt Meadows Guide to Garden suites or Pitt Meadows Guide to secondary suites
