---
title: Enderby secondary suite and carriage house rules
question: "Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?"
place: Enderby, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/enderby
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Enderby
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/secondary-suite/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/secondary-suite.json"
---

# Enderby secondary suite and carriage house rules

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

**Short answer:** Yes, in some zones. The City of Enderby's Zoning Bylaw allows an attached secondary suite in R.1, R.1-A, R.2 and Country Residential zones, and a detached suite (carriage house) on lots of at least 560 m² or 650 m² in R.1, R.1-A and R.2. Both need a building permit.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Enderby, https://www.cityofenderby.com)  
**Cost:** A building permit is required; fees are in building-permit-fees. The City also sells pre-approved RDNO secondary dwelling plans (RDNO says $1,000 plus GST and PST per set).  
**Where:**
- Phone: Planner Kurt Inglis, City Hall, 250-838-7230
- Email: Planner Kurt Inglis, kinglis@cityofenderby.com
- Phone: RDNO reception (inspections), 250-550-3700

## Key facts

- **Secondary suite allowed:** Attached secondary suites are permitted uses in the R.1, R.1-A, R.2 and Country Residential (C.R.) zones, in a single family dwelling or two family dwelling, and must meet s. 317.a.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 317.a, s. 601.1(e)](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Attached Secondary Suites are to be located only in a single family dwelling or two family dwelling" … "Attached Secondary Suites subject to the provisions of Section 317.a"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 602.1(e)](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "e. Attached Secondary Suites subject to the provisions of Section 317.a"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 701.1(l)](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "l. Attached Secondary Suites subject to the provisions of Section 317.a"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** Detached secondary suites are permitted uses in R.1, R.1-A, R.2 and Country Residential zones, and only with a principal single family dwelling, entirely to the rear of it. Lots need at least 560 m² (lane or second street frontage) or 650 m² (no lane access) in R.1, R.1-A and R.2.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 317.b.1, s. 601.1(f)](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "only be permitted to accompany a principal single family dwelling, with or without an Attached Secondary Suite" … "be located entirely to the rear of a principal single family dwelling" … "f. Detached Secondary Suites subject to the provisions of Section 317.b" … "Detached Secondary Suites are only permitted on lots that have an area of not less than: a. 560 m2 if there is lane access or second street frontage; or b. 650 m2 if there is not lane access or second street frontage."
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 701.1(m)](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "m. Detached Secondary Suites subject to the provisions of Section 317.b"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Limits:** Attached: one per single family dwelling (one per half of a two family dwelling), 36 m² minimum, maximum the lesser of 90 m² or 40% of habitable floor area; no strata. Detached: max 90 m², no more than 75% of the principal dwelling's floor area, max height 4.5 m, no subdivision or strata.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 317.a.1](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No more than one Attached Secondary Suite shall be permitted within a single family dwelling" … "The maximum floor area of an Attached Secondary Suite shall not exceed the lesser of 90 m2 or 40% of the habitable floor area of the single family dwelling" … "shall not be less than 36m2 (387.5 square feet)" … "No strata titling is permitted." … "Amending Division Three of Schedule “A” by deleting Section 317.b.1.viii." … "have a floor area not to exceed 75% of the floor area of the principal single family dwelling" … "The maximum height of Detached Secondary Suites shall be 4.5 m"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 317.b.1, Div. Two](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "have a floor area not to exceed 75% of the floor area of the principal single family dwelling" … "at least one (1) of the registered owners of the property resides within the primary single family dwelling" … "DETACHED SECONDARY SUITE means a dwelling unit with a maximum floor area of 90 square meters"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 601.5](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The maximum height of Detached Secondary Suites shall be 4.5 m"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Parking:** One off-street parking space for each attached secondary suite and one for each detached secondary suite.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 317.a.1(iv), s. 317.b.2, Schedule B](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "One (1) off-street parking space must be provided for each Attached Secondary Suite" … "one (1) off-street parking space must be provided for each detached secondary suite" … "Detached Secondary Suite 1 per suite"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Permits:** A building permit is required to build or alter a building; a suite must meet the BC Building Code, and an attached suite must have an Occupancy Permit. The City's application form has a 'Secondary Suite' building type.
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1582, 2015 (consolidated), s. 301.1](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1582-Building-Bylaw-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No person shall commence or continue any construction, alteration, reconstruction" … "unless a Building Official has issued a permit for the work"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 317.a.1(v), Div. Two](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Attached Secondary Suites must comply with all relevant City Bylaws and the BC Building Code" … "has an Occupancy Permit indicating compliance to the BC Building Code"
  - Source: [Building Permit Application package, Application form](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Building-Permit-Application-Package.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Type of Work: Type of Building: ☐ New ☐ Alteration ☐ Plumbing ☐ Single Family Dwelling ☐ Multi-Family ☐ Secondary Suite ☐ Addition ☐ Demolition ☐ Pool ☐ Agricultural ☐ Accessory ☐ Industrial"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** City of Enderby Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (s. 317.a, 317.b and zone sections) and Building Bylaw No. 1582, 2015.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793), s. 1](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as “The Corporation of the City of Enderby Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014”."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1582, 2015 (consolidated), s. 101](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1582-Building-Bylaw-Consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as “City of Enderby Building Bylaw No. 1582, 2015”."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The [Zoning Bylaw 1550](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf) permits attached secondary suites in R.1, R.1-A, R.2 and Country Residential (C.R.) zones, in a single family or two family dwelling, if they meet s. 317.a. Detached suites are permitted in the same zones, only with a single family dwelling and entirely to the rear of it. No suite use was found in the commercial, industrial or R.3 zones.

Attached suite: one per single family dwelling (one per half of a two family dwelling), at least 36 m², up to the lesser of 90 m² or 40% of the habitable floor area. No strata.

Detached suite: up to 90 m², no more than 75% of the principal dwelling's floor area, up to 4.5 m high. It needs a lot connected to community water and sewer, solid fencing 1.5 m to 2 m high on sides not facing the main house, and a cleared pathway from parking. No subdivision or strata. In R.1, R.1-A and R.2 the lot must be at least 560 m² (lane or second street frontage) or 650 m² (no lane access).

## Steps

1. Confirm your zone and lot size with the Planner (250-838-7230).
2. Plan one off-street parking space for each suite.
3. Apply for a building permit. The suite must meet the BC Building Code, and an attached suite must have an Occupancy Permit. The City's application form has a "Secondary Suite" building type.
4. Book inspections through RDNO (see building-permit).

## Good to know

- No development permit area was found in the Official Community Plan or the Zoning Bylaw, so none is stated.
- The bylaw text we read states no owner-occupancy requirement. Older zone text had one, so confirm with the City.
- The City sells pre-approved RDNO secondary dwelling plans; ask City Hall.

## Official forms and pages

- [Zoning Bylaw 1550 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf)
- [RDNO Secondary Dwelling Building Plans information (PDF)](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RDNO-Secondary-Dwelling-Building-Plans-Information.pdf)
- [Building Permit Application package (PDF)](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Building-Permit-Application-Package.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Enderby zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Enderby building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/building-permit.md)
- [Enderby building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Enderby permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite.md)
- [Armstrong](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/armstrong/secondary-suite.md)
- [Spallumcheen](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/spallumcheen/secondary-suite.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/secondary-suite.md)
- [Lumby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lumby/secondary-suite.md)
- [Vernon](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/secondary-suite.md)
- [Coldstream](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/secondary-suite.md)

## Sources

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 1550, 2014 (consolidated, includes Bylaw 1793) (PDF), City of Enderby](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1550-Zoning-Bylaw-No.-1550-2014-Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Bylaw No. 1582, 2015 (consolidated) (PDF), City of Enderby](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1582-Building-Bylaw-Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Permit Application package (PDF), City of Enderby](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Building-Permit-Application-Package.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [RDNO Secondary Dwelling Building Plans Information (PDF), City of Enderby](https://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RDNO-Secondary-Dwelling-Building-Plans-Information.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)

_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 City of Enderby. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/secondary-suite/_