Secondary suites are widely permitted in single family homes in Surrey. This webpage provides information on
- Locations where secondary suites are permitted
- Installing a secondary suite
- Secondary suite fees
- Contacts for secondary suite information
- Frequently asked questions
- Secondary Suite Fee Web Inquiry
Locations where Secondary Suites are Permitted
On December 13, 2010, Council approved changes to the Zoning By-law to permit one secondary suite in each single family home in Surrey, under certain conditions. These conditions include
- a limit of one secondary suite per property
- a prohibition on secondary suites on properties with a coach house
- a prohibition on secondary suites in semi-detached or duplex buildings
- a requirement to provide one additional off-street parking space.
Secondary suites may be permitted in the A-1, A-2, RA, RA-G, RH, RH-G, RC, RF-O, RF, RF-SS, RF-G, RF-12, RF-12C, RF-9, RF-9C and RF-9S Zones. Comprehensive Development Zones that currently permit a single family dwelling but not a secondary suite may be amended to allow secondary suites at a later date.
View the guide to zoning and other possible restrictions on secondary suites.
The Council report lists secondary suite bylaw amendments and policies.
Learn about the complaint and enforcement process for secondary suites.
Installing a Secondary Suite
Existing and new secondary suites must obtain necessary building permits and meet safety standards of the BC Building Code.
Home builders who do not want to install a secondary suite at time of construction can make the home “suite-ready” (having fire separation, rough-in wiring and plumbing, and means of egress). Information on suite-ready homes are recorded in the Building Division database and can allow a secondary suite to be added in the future without costly retrofitting.
For information on the building permit process and building suite-ready homes, please contact the Building Division at 604-591-4366.
Learn about the residential building permits.
Check the electrical requirements for secondary suites.
Secondary Suite Fees
Properties with a secondary suite must pay utility fees and a secondary suite service fee. Since 1997, utility fees have been collected from all known secondary suites in order to allocate the costs of providing water, sewer and garbage services among all users of City utilities.
On February 7, 2011, Council adopted a bylaw that authorized a secondary suite service fee of $247. The annual fee is to pay for the cost of City services, including infrastructure, incurred as a result of additional demand for City services and use of municipal property generated by secondary suites.
Summary of Annual Secondary Suite Fees
| Metered Customers | Non-Metered Customers | |
| Secondary Suite Service Fee | $247 | $247 |
| Garbage Services | $141 | $141 |
| Water | Based on water consumption | $264 |
| Sewer | Based on water consumption | $439 |
| Totals | Consumption plus $388 | $1,091 |
Check the fees for a secondary suite with the Secondary Suite Fee Web Inquiry.
View the secondary suite service fee bylaw.
Contact Information
| Type of Information | Division | Telephone Number |
| Zoning requirements | Planning | 604-591-4448 |
| Building permits | Building | 604-591-4366 |
| Enforcement procedures or to make a complaint | By-law and Licensing Services | 604-591-4370 |
| Secondary suite fees | Property Taxes and Utilities | 604-591-4181 |
Hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Does payment of secondary suite fees mean that the secondary suite is legal?
No. Where a property is in breach of City by-laws, such as the Zoning By-law or Building By-law, the City reserves the right to enforce these by-laws now or in the future. In order to be considered legal, a secondary suite must meet the conditions of zoning, have necessary building permits, and be paying secondary suite utility and service fees.
Are all single family homes automatically able to have a secondary suite?
No. In order to have a secondary suite, certain conditions must be met – e.g. the provision of one additional on-site parking space. Additionally, each application for a secondary suite must be reviewed for possible legal restrictions such as Land Use Contracts and Building Schemes that prohibit secondary suites on specific properties. For more information, see the guide to zoning for secondary suites.
How do I legalize a new or existing secondary suite?
In order to be considered legal, a secondary suite must meet the conditions of zoning, have necessary building permits, and be paying secondary suite utility and service fees. A homeowner must apply for building permits to ensure that minimum safety standards are met. When the building permit application is made, secondary suite fees will be charged. For more information on the building permit process, please contact the Building Division at 604-591-4366.
Where can I find information on whether a house has a legal secondary suite or is built “suite-ready”?
Prospective renters and homebuyers can find out if a house has a legal secondary suite or is built “suite-ready” by contacting the Building Division at 604-591-4366. The status of a secondary suite can also be searched online using the Secondary Suite Fee Web Inquiry.
Can a single family home have multiple suites?
No. The Zoning By‐law only permits one secondary suite per single family home. There are also no safety provisions in the BC Building Code for multiple "secondary suites" in a single family dwelling. Therefore the City will initiate closure of multiple suites as these properties are identified. The process is responsive with communication between City staff and property owners to ensure that adequate time is provided for tenants to find new accommodation.
How can I make a complaint if my neighbour has multiple secondary suites in a home?
You can make a complaint online or contact Bylaw and Licensing Services at 604-591-4370.