---
title: Chetwynd secondary suite and carriage house rules
question: "Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house in Chetwynd?"
place: Chetwynd, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/chetwynd
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Chetwynd
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/secondary-suite/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/secondary-suite.json"
---

# Chetwynd secondary suite and carriage house rules

**Question:** Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house in Chetwynd?

**Short answer:** Yes, in Chetwynd a secondary suite or detached suite is allowed as an accessory use in the AG, RU1, RU2 and R1 zones, but only with a single-detached dwelling, one suite per dwelling. A suite must be at least 40 m² and needs its own entrance, a building permit and an annual business licence.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Chetwynd, https://www.gochetwynd.com)  
**Cost:** Building permit fees follow Building Bylaw No. 973 (see building-permit-fees); the annual business licence fee is in the business-licence answer.  
**How long:** Not stated for suites. The District's guide says most building permit applications take about 5 to 10 business days.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Building Inspection, 250-401-4100 (The Building Inspector is in the office on Tuesdays only.)
- In person: Municipal Office, 5400 Hospital Road, Chetwynd, BC V0C 1J0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays).)

## Key facts

- **Secondary suite allowed:** Yes, as an accessory use in the AG, RU1, RU2 and R1 zones, and only in single-detached dwellings. One suite per principal dwelling. No suite where the house has a bed and breakfast, day care or home-based business.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 10.2 (R1)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "v. Detached suite vi. Hen keeping vii. Home occupation viii. Secondary suite"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 7.2 (AG)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "iv. Detached suite v. Hen keeping vi. Home industry vii. Home occupation viii. Secondary suite"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 8.2 (RU1) and 9.2 (RU2)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "iv. Detached suite v. Farm stand vi. Hen keeping vii. Home industry viii. Home occupation ix. Secondary suite"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 4.12(1)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Suites are only permitted in single-detached dwellings." … "No more than one (1) suite is permitted per principal dwelling." … "A suite shall not be permitted where one of more of the following uses exist within the principal" … "home-based business"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** Yes, as an accessory use in the AG, RU1, RU2 and R1 zones (same single-detached-dwelling and one-suite limits). A detached suite must be at least 40 m², and its parcel coverage may not exceed 15% of the parcel area.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 10.2 (R1)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "v. Detached suite vi. Hen keeping vii. Home occupation viii. Secondary suite"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 7.2 (AG)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "iv. Detached suite v. Hen keeping vi. Home industry vii. Home occupation viii. Secondary suite"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 8.2 (RU1) and 9.2 (RU2)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "iv. Detached suite v. Farm stand vi. Hen keeping vii. Home industry viii. Home occupation ix. Secondary suite"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 4.12.2](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The floor area of a detached suite must be at least 40m²." … "The parcel coverage of the detached suite must not exceed 15% of the parcel area."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Limits:** One suite per principal dwelling; at least 40 m²; a secondary suite needs its own private entrance; rented only for periods of one month or more; residential use only; no subdividing or strata titling. A detached suite may cover at most 15% of the parcel.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 4.12(1) and 4.12.1](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No more than one (1) suite is permitted per principal dwelling." … "Be a minimum of 40m² in size." … "Contain a separated private entrance from the primary entrance(s) of the principal dwelling." … "shall be rented for periods of not less than one" … "month." … "A suite shall not be subdivided or strata titled."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Parking:** Section 4.12 requires one additional hard-surfaced, dust-free parking space for each suite. The parking table (Table 4) instead says 1 space per bedroom in the suite, in addition to the main dwelling's spaces. These differ for suites with 2 or more bedrooms; confirm with the District.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 4.12(1)(g)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "One (1) additional parking space must be provided for each suite. Such parking space shall be hard" … "surfaced, dust free and in accordance with the Off-Street Parking Regulations in this Bylaw." … "One (1) additional parking space must be provided for each suite." … "Suites (Secondary or Detached) 1 per bedroom in the suite in addition to principal dwelling unit requirements"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, Table 4](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Accessory Dwelling Unit 1 per dwelling unit"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Permits:** An annual business licence from the District is required, and the suite must meet the BC Building Code and local bylaws for a secondary suite. A building permit is needed for construction or structural alteration under the Building Bylaw.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, s. 4.12(1)(c) and (d)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "A suite must meet all of the BC Building Code requirements and local regulations and Bylaws for a" … "secondary suite." … "An annual business license issued by the District of Chetwynd is required."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 973, 2012, consolidated to Bylaw 1028, s. 7.1(a)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Building-Bylaw-No.-973-2012-Consolidated-Version-for-website-Oct-6-2015.pdf)
  - Official wording: "constructing, or undertaking structural repair or alteration of a building or structure related to the inspections undertaken"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, s. 4.12 (Suites), as amended by Bylaw No. 1162, 2023; Building Bylaw No. 973, 2012.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps, Title and amendment list](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "1. This Bylaw may be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023”." … "Inclusion of maps as schedules and Dwelling definitions and Suites"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

Section 4.12 of the District of Chetwynd's [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf) allows a secondary suite (a self-contained dwelling unit within a single-detached dwelling, or in an accessory building on the same parcel) as an accessory use in the AG, RU1, RU2 and R1 zones. Suites are not listed as uses in the R2, RM1, RM2, MHP or commercial zones. No suite is allowed where the house has a bed and breakfast, day care or home-based business.

## Steps

1. Confirm your zone allows a suite (see zoning-lookup).
2. Apply for a building permit under the [Building Bylaw No. 973](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Building-Bylaw-No.-973-2012-Consolidated-Version-for-website-Oct-6-2015.pdf); see building-permit.
3. Get an annual District business licence for the suite.
4. Make sure the suite meets the BC Building Code and local bylaws.

## Good to know

- One suite per principal dwelling; at least 40 m²; its own private entrance; residential use only; no subdividing or strata titling.
- A suite may be rented only for periods of one month or more.
- A detached suite may cover at most 15% of the parcel.
- Parking: section 4.12 requires one additional hard-surfaced, dust-free space per suite, but the parking table says one space per bedroom in the suite. These differ for suites with 2 or more bedrooms; confirm with the District.
- No owner-occupancy requirement was found.
- A 2024 zoning amendment on small-scale multi-unit housing exists but is not in the posted bylaw copy, so these rules may have changed. Confirm on 250-401-4100.

## Official forms and pages

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, s. 4.12 Suites (PDF)](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Chetwynd building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/building-permit.md)
- [Chetwynd building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Chetwynd business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/business-licence.md)
- [Chetwynd zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Chetwynd short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/short-term-rental.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite.md)
- [Hudson's Hope](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/secondary-suite.md)
- [Tumbler Ridge](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/secondary-suite.md)
- [Fort St. John](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/secondary-suite.md)
- [Taylor](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/secondary-suite.md)
- [Dawson Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/secondary-suite.md)
- [Pouce Coupe](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/secondary-suite.md)

## Sources

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 1150, 2023, with Amendment 1162 and maps (PDF), District of Chetwynd](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BL1150-Chetwynd-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1150-2023-with-1162-and-maps-1.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Building Bylaw No. 973, 2012, consolidated to Bylaw 1028 (PDF), District of Chetwynd](https://www.gochetwynd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Building-Bylaw-No.-973-2012-Consolidated-Version-for-website-Oct-6-2015.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Chetwynd. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/secondary-suite/_