{"title":"Penticton secondary suite and carriage house rules","question":"Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?","slug":"secondary-suite","place":{"path":"ca/bc/penticton","name":"Penticton","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Penticton","url":"https://www.penticton.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes, in some zones. The Zoning Bylaw allows a secondary suite in the FG, A, RC, R4-L, R4-S, RM1, RM2 and RM3 zones, and a carriage house in FG, A, RC, R4-L and R4-S. Both need City permits and an occupancy certificate before anyone moves in. The suite permit fee is $450.","aliases":["basement suite penticton","legalize suite penticton","carriage house penticton","garden suite","accessory dwelling unit penticton"],"cost":"Secondary suite permit $450 (2026), plus the building application fee ($229) and a fee based on construction value. See building-permit-fees.","how_long":"No guaranteed timeline. Book a free pre-application meeting first.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Building and Planning","value":"250-490-2501","note":"Some City pages list the Building Department as 250-490-2571."},{"type":"email","label":"Building Department","value":"buildinginfo@penticton.ca"},{"type":"email","label":"Planning Department","value":"planning@penticton.ca"},{"type":"email","label":"Business Licensing","value":"businesslicences@penticton.ca"}],"documents":["Completed application package from the Building Permit Applications and Forms page","Agency Agreement, if someone applies for you","For a carriage house, BC Housing registration and plans"],"forms":[{"title":"Secondary Suites","url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/building-permits/residential/secondary-suites"},{"title":"Carriage Houses","url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/building-permits/residential/carriage-houses"},{"title":"Building Bulletins (Secondary Suite and Carriage House bulletins)","url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/building-permits/building-bulletins"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Penticton building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/building-permit/"},{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Penticton building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Penticton zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"short-term-rental","title":"Penticton short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/short-term-rental/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/summerland","name":"Summerland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/summerland/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/peachland","name":"Peachland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/peachland/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/oliver","name":"Oliver","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/oliver/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/keremeos","name":"Keremeos","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/keremeos/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/west-kelowna","name":"West Kelowna","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kelowna","name":"Kelowna","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kelowna/secondary-suite/"}],"topic":{"title":"Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite/"},"facts":{"suite_allowed":{"label":"Secondary suite allowed","value":"A secondary suite is a permitted use in the FG, A and RC rural zones and the R4-L, R4-S, RM1, RM2 and RM3 residential zones, subject to s. 8.1. It needs a community sewer connection unless the lot is at least 830 m² and meets the sewage system regulation.","short":"Yes, in FG, A, RC, R4-L, R4-S, RM1 to RM3 zones","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%202024-22%20%28Consolidated%20October%202026%29%20-%20new.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2024-22 (consolidated October 2026), ss. 8.1 and 8.2 (PDF)","section":"ss. 9.1-9.3, 10.1-10.5, 8.1.2","quotes":["secondary suite (subject to accessory suites regulation 8.1)","RM1 – Bareland Strata Housing","RM2 – Low Density Multiple Housing","RM3 – Medium Density Multiple Housing","unless the lot area is at least 830 m² and meets the requirements of the"]},{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/building-permits/residential/secondary-suites","title":"Secondary Suites, City of Penticton","section":"Where are Secondary Suites Permitted?","quotes":["Secondary suites are permitted within a single detached dwelling in any of the following zones."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City page lists only FG, A, RC, R4-L and R4-S. The zoning bylaw (followed) also lists the secondary suite as a permitted use in RM1, RM2 and RM3. Check the property zone on the Property Viewer. ALR land also needs to meet Agricultural Land Commission rules."},"detached_allowed":{"label":"Coach house or garden suite allowed","value":"A carriage house is permitted on lots with a single detached dwelling in the FG, A and RC rural zones and the R4-L and R4-S zones. In the rural zones only one carriage house per property and not together with a secondary suite.","short":"Yes, carriage house in FG, A, RC, R4-L, R4-S zones","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%202024-22%20%28Consolidated%20October%202026%29%20-%20new.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2024-22 (consolidated October 2026), ss. 8.1 and 8.2 (PDF)","section":"ss. 8.2, 9.1-9.3, 10.1, 10.2","quotes":["carriage house (subject to accessory suites regulation 8.2)","In the A, FG, and RC zones only one (1) carriage house shall be permitted per","property and shall not be allowed in conjunction with a secondary suite in a"]},{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/building-permits/residential/carriage-houses","title":"Carriage Houses, City of Penticton","section":"Where are Carriage Houses Permitted?","quotes":["Carriage houses are permitted on lots that contain a single detached dwelling in any of the following zones:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"One secondary suite per dwelling unit; no separate title or strata lot; 5 m² of private outdoor amenity space. Carriage house: no separate title; floor area up to 135 m² in R4-L and R4-S (150 m² rural); in R4 zones 5.0 m and one storey where there is no lane (7.0 m and two storeys with lane access).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%202024-22%20%28Consolidated%20October%202026%29%20-%20new.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2024-22 (consolidated October 2026), ss. 8.1 and 8.2 (PDF)","section":"ss. 8.1, 8.2","quotes":["No more than one (1) secondary suite shall be permitted within a dwelling unit.","may not be sited or located on a separate titled parcel from the principal residence or be created as a strata lot within the dwelling unit.","A minimum of 5 m2 of amenity space, outdoor shall be provided individually for the","Maximum Carriage House Floor 135 m2","Maximum Carriage House Floor 150 m2","Where no lane exists, the maximum","height is 5.0 m and one storey."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"parking":{"label":"Parking","value":"No parking space is required for a secondary suite or carriage house (the parking table lists 0 per accessory suite).","short":"None required","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%202024-22%20%28Consolidated%20October%202026%29%20-%20new.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2024-22 (consolidated October 2026), ss. 8.1 and 8.2 (PDF)","section":"Table 6.6, s. 6.5","quotes":["Secondary Suite or Carriage House","0 per accessory suite"]},{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/planning-land-use","title":"Planning and Land Use, City of Penticton","section":"Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing Initiative","quotes":["Remove parking requirements for carriage houses and secondary suites"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permits":{"label":"Permits","value":"A building permit and/or plumbing permit is needed before building a suite; an existing unpermitted suite is legalized through the building permit process with an inspection. Carriage houses also need BC Housing registration and an occupancy certificate. A business licence is needed to rent it short-term.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/building-permits/residential/secondary-suites","title":"Secondary Suites, City of Penticton","section":"Next Steps: Permits","quotes":["Prior to constructing a secondary suite, a building permit and/or plumbing permit must be issued by the","Evidence must be provided through the building permit process that the suite generally conforms to the BC Building Code requirements for secondary suites."]},{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/building-permits/residential/carriage-houses","title":"Carriage Houses, City of Penticton","section":"Next Steps","quotes":["A building permit/plumbing permit must be applied for and issued prior to constructing a carriage house.","An occupancy certificate is required prior to anyone occupying the new space."]},{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/docs/business-and-building/building-bulletins/When%20a%20permit%20is%20required%202025.pdf","title":"When Are Permits Required? Building Bulletin 13-01 (revised March 7, 2025) (PDF)","section":"Bulletin 13-01, s. 1","quotes":["new dwelling units or substantial additions will require registration with the BC Housing"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2024-22 (s. 8.1 Secondary Suite, s. 8.2 Carriage Houses); Building Bylaw No. 2021-21.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%202024-22%20%28Consolidated%20October%202026%29%20-%20new.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2024-22 (consolidated October 2026), ss. 8.1 and 8.2 (PDF)","section":"ss. 8.1, 8.2","quotes":["Secondary Suite (Bylaw No. 2026-21)","Carriage Houses"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnder [Zoning Bylaw No. 2024-22](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%202024-22%20%28Consolidated%20October%202026%29%20-%20new.pdf) (sections 8.1 and 8.2), a secondary suite is allowed in the zones above, subject to the bylaw's rules. It needs a community sewer connection unless the lot is at least 830 m² and meets the sewage system regulation. A carriage house is permitted on lots with a single detached dwelling; it cannot be sold separately. In the rural zones only one carriage house is allowed per property, and not together with a secondary suite. Land in the Agricultural Land Reserve must also meet Agricultural Land Commission rules.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your zone on the Property Viewer and read the bylaw and the City's bulletin.\n2. Book a free pre-application meeting with the Building and Planning department.\n3. Apply for a building permit and/or plumbing permit with plans that let staff check the BC Building Code rules for suites.\n4. Pass the inspections. A carriage house also needs BC Housing registration, and an occupancy certificate is required before anyone occupies the new space.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Suite limits: one secondary suite per dwelling unit, no separate title or strata lot, and 5 m² of private outdoor amenity space.\n- Carriage house limits: floor area up to 135 m² in R4-L and R4-S (150 m² in rural zones). In R4 zones it is 5.0 m high and one storey where there is no lane (7.0 m and two storeys with lane access), with a 1.5 m rear setback, and no decks, balconies or roof top patios. Rural lots without municipal sewer need at least 1 ha.\n- No parking space is required for a suite or carriage house.\n- To legalize an existing suite, use the building permit process; it needs an inspection.\n- A business licence is needed to rent either one short-term; the 2026 licence fee for a suite or carriage house is $210 a year. See short-term-rental.\n- The City advises speaking with your neighbours before planning a carriage house.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/building-permits/residential/secondary-suites","title":"Secondary Suites, City of Penticton","accessed":"2026-10-29"},{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/building-permits/residential/carriage-houses","title":"Carriage Houses, City of Penticton","accessed":"2026-10-29"},{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%202024-22%20%28Consolidated%20October%202026%29%20-%20new.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2024-22 (consolidated October 2026), ss. 8.1 and 8.2 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2014-07%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20CONSOLIDATED%20PACKAGE%20-%20October%202026_1.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2014-07 (consolidated October 2026), Appendices 4 and 5 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-10-29"},{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/docs/business-and-building/building-bulletins/When%20a%20permit%20is%20required%202025.pdf","title":"When Are Permits Required? Building Bulletin 13-01 (revised March 7, 2025) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/planning-land-use","title":"Planning and Land Use, City of Penticton","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/secondary-suite/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/secondary-suite.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/secondary-suite.json"}}