FAQ on the Changes to Secondary Suites Part 2
On March 12th, 2018, Council approved changes to include secondary suites and backyard suites as a discretionary use in primarily single detached home communities (R-1, R-C1 and R-C1L districts). Changes to the Suite Registry and fee schedule have also been approved and will be coming into effect shortly. This could affect your community, so we want to keep you updated on how the changes will be implemented.
We recently created a FAQ on the changes to secondary suites in Calgary. You are currently reading part 2. Please click here for part 1.
What is the ‘policy to guide discretion’ and where can I view it?
- This policy will help planners make decisions on when to approve a Development Permit. Click here to view it.
- This policy has three planning objectives:
- To provide guidance to the Development Authority in the use of discretion when evaluating suites.
- To ensure opportunities for suites are balanced with the potential impacts they may have on communities.
- To manage privacy issues related to Backyard Suites.
How will the application process for backyard suites be handled over the course of this year?
- Backyard Suites will not become effective as discretionary uses in the affected districts until Administration returns with standards on the design of backyard suites (anticipated by the end of 2018).
- The City will be hosting engagement on these design standards and we will regularly update you as we learn more.
- Anyone who wants to build a backyard suite in the affected districts before the design standards are approved, will have two options.
- Option 1: They will have to go through a land use redesignation to R-C1s (and pay roughly $5050) and then apply for a Development Permit if the Land use is approved.
- Option 2: They can until the end of the year when we bring back the design standards.
What should I know about the changes to the Suite Registry?
- Administration is working on a Bylaw for the mandatory registry. They will return to Council in the next few months to present it. We will update you accordingly.
- All occupied secondary suites must be on the mandatory registry and the only way to be on the registry is to have approved permits (Development Permit/Building Permits). This will ensure that the registry consists of properly inspected suites.
- A $1000 fine will be charged to any owner of a suite that isn’t on the registry but is available to rent.
What will happen to existing applications?
- The land use applications that were applied for before March 13 will continue as normal and will still go through Council for a decision. Contact the City of Calgary at 311 for any questions about a pending application. Applicants can choose to cancel their application.
What are the new fees and when will they come into effect?
There are several different kinds of fees related to applying for secondary suites. Explanations along with the changes will be listed as follows:
- Fees for land use redesignation. Applicants can still choose the option to apply to redesignate their land to R-C1s, however, the fees are being reinstated and it will cost just over $5000 per application.
- Fees for Development Permits. There will be an exemption for Development Permit and Registry fees until June 1, 2020 (Building Permit fees will still apply)
- Fees for the Suite Registry. Administration also proposed requiring owners to pay a one-time $232 fee. Owners will be exempt until June 1, 2020. Administration will be returning to Council in the next few months and the fee is subject to change. The Federation will update accordingly.
- Other fees, which include fees for Building Permits, Electrical Permits, Plumbing and Gas Permits. These will continue to apply.