Richmond, BC, boasts a range of homes with secondary suites, providing flexible living arrangements for residents. These suites, often found in single-family homes, two-unit housing and town housing, offer separate living spaces with amenities like kitchens and bathrooms. They’re ideal for generating rental income or accommodating extended family members. Richmond’s homes with suites contribute to the city’s housing diversity and affordability, making them sought-after options for homeowners and renters alike. These are Richmond 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 Richmond Homes/ Houses with mortgage helper.
The building standards for secondary suites in single-family housing, two-unit housing, and town housing vary, and it’s essential to consult the BC Building Code for specific details. Additionally, refer to the Zoning Bylaw to determine which zones permit secondary suites in your area.
Existing secondary suites
Existing secondary suites must undergo a review and inspection by the City to ensure compliance with the BC Building Code, the City Zoning Bylaw, and other relevant regulations. This process may involve upgrades to ensure life safety standards are met. In some cases, work or construction completed without the necessary plans or permits may need to be exposed for assessment. This ensures that all secondary suites meet the required standards for safety and legality.
New homes with secondary suites construction requirements
- Secondary suites must be completely enclosed within the same building as the principal dwelling unit in single detached housing, or completely contained within the same dwelling unit or strata lot in two-unit housing or town housing.
– The secondary suite must not appear as a separate unit from the outside.
– Secondary suites are not permitted to be stratified.
– A secondary suite can not be in a detached accessory building.
- No more than one secondary suite shall be permitted per dwelling unit.
- A maximum of 50% of the total units in town housing are permitted to contain a secondary suite.
- A secondary suite must not exceed 40% of the total floor area of the dwelling unit in which it is contained, and total area of the secondary suite must not exceed 120m2
- A building containing a secondary suite must not be above or below any other unit or occupancy
- Entry doors – The entry door of the secondary suite shall not face the primary street upon which the principal dwelling is located
- Smoke Alarms and Fire Separation – Smoke alarms shall be installed in each dwelling unit unless otherwise stated. A fire separation between the primary dwelling and secondary suite is required.
- Sound Transmission
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms
For more information about Richmond Homes/ Houses with suites (Homes with Mortgage helper) check Richmond city website. You will find which documents are required for a Secondary suite permit application, what Richmond City services are available to you, what should you consider when designing a Richmond Home/ House with suite, etc. Check the brochure from Richmond city for Homes/ Houses with Suite (2 kitchens).