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

# Pitt Meadows secondary suite and carriage house rules

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

**Short answer:** Pitt Meadows allows secondary suites inside a house, and garden suites (detached) in some zones, only where the zone lists them. You need a building permit and an occupancy permit, and the suite must be registered with the City for a one-time $50 fee. Check your zone first.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Pitt Meadows, https://www.pittmeadows.ca)  
**Cost:** Registration $50 one-time. Registered suites pay an annual service fee of 40% of the current year's residential water and sewer charges; unregistered suites pay a much higher flat fee. Plus the building permit fee (see building-permit-fees).  
**How long:** Building permits take about 8 to 10 weeks for non-complex projects and 12 to 16 weeks for complex ones (City estimate).  
**Where:**
- Phone: Planning and Development Services, 604-465-2428
- Email: Building Division, building@pittmeadows.ca
- In person: City Hall, 12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B5 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

## Key facts

- **Secondary suite allowed:** A secondary suite is allowed as an accessory use only where the zone lists it. It is listed in the RS, R-3, R-4, R-6, RR-1 to RR-5 and agricultural A-1 and A-2 zones. It must be inside the house, not in an accessory building.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, sections 5.4, 5.5, Table 7.1), s. 5.4 a) i, ii](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-04/Zoning%20Bylaw%20No.%202505%2C%202011%20-%20Consolidated%20Version_2.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Be permitted as an accessory use only where permitted in the zone;" … "Be completely enclosed within the same building containing the principal use and"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, sections 5.4, 5.5, Table 7.1), s. 10.1.2 (RS); 10.2.2 (R-3); 10.3.2 (R-4); 10.4.2 (R-6); 9.1.2 to 9.5.2 (RR); 8.1.2, 8.2.2 (A-1, A-2)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-04/Zoning%20Bylaw%20No.%202505%2C%202011%20-%20Consolidated%20Version_2.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Single-Family Dwelling  Secondary Suite" … "Home-Based Business"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** Garden suites: one or more in R-3, R-4 and R-6; one on lots of at least 557 sq m in RS and RR-1 to RR-5, if the house has no secondary suite. In A-1 only on lots under 8,094 sq m with a dwelling existing on January 21, 1992; the A-2 zone does not list them. The City's guide says A-1/A-2 lots over 8 ha. (Sources differ: The City's Guide to Garden Suites (not a bylaw) says A-1 and A-2 lots must be larger than 8 ha (20 acres), while Zoning Bylaw 5.5 b) says lots less than 8,094 sq m. The bylaw is followed here. Garden suite must be freestanding, in the rear yard, and connected to municipal water, sewer and drainage.)
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, sections 5.4, 5.5, Table 7.1), s. 5.5 a), b)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-04/Zoning%20Bylaw%20No.%202505%2C%202011%20-%20Consolidated%20Version_2.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Where permitted, one or more garden suites is permitted in the R-3, R-4, and R-6 zone," … "One garden suite is permitted on lots having areas of at least 557 sq m within the RS and RR" … "zones and on lots less than 8094 sq m within A-1 and A-2 zones, provided that the garden" … "does not contain a secondary suite;" … "January 21, 1992 shall conform with the following regulations:"
  - Source: [Guide to Garden Suites, Guide to Garden Suites, p. 1](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-02/Guide-to-Garden-Suites.pdf)
  - Official wording: "A-1, A-2 (on lots with an area >8 ha or 20 acres)"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Limits:** Secondary suite: 33 to 90 sq m of floor area; one per principal dwelling unit. The owner must live in the house or the suite, or name a property management company in Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge or Port Coquitlam. Garden suite: 33 to 90 sq m including basement; 4.0 m high (6.0 m over a garage with lane access, in the RS/RR/A zones).
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, sections 5.4, 5.5, Table 7.1), s. 5.4 a) iv, v; b) i](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-04/Zoning%20Bylaw%20No.%202505%2C%202011%20-%20Consolidated%20Version_2.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Have a gross floor area of at least 33.0 sq m and not more than 90 sq m" … "Be limited to one per principal dwelling unit;" … "The property owner must reside in either the principal dwelling unit or the secondary suite,"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, sections 5.4, 5.5, Table 7.1), s. 5.5 a) iv, v; b) iv, v](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-04/Zoning%20Bylaw%20No.%202505%2C%202011%20-%20Consolidated%20Version_2.pdf)
  - Official wording: "be limited to a height of 4.0 m;" … "not more than 90 sq m. In this instance, gross floor area shall include any basement area;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Parking:** One off-street space per secondary suite and one per garden suite (Table 7.1) outside R-3, R-4 and R-6. In R-3 and R-4: 0.5 per dwelling unit of 90 m² or less, 1.5 per dwelling unit over 90 m². The garden suite guide says no extra space in R-6.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, sections 5.4, 5.5, Table 7.1)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-04/Zoning%20Bylaw%20No.%202505%2C%202011%20-%20Consolidated%20Version_2.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Secondary Suite 1 per suite n/a" … "Dwelling unit ≤90 m² 0.5 per dwelling unit" … "Dwelling unit >90 m² 1.5 per dwelling unit" … "Garden Suite 1 per suite n/a"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Permits:** A building permit (the City lists secondary suites among work needing one) and an occupancy permit after final inspection. The suite must also be registered with the City (one-time $50 registration fee, floor plan and site plan). A development permit may be needed depending on location.
  - Source: [How to Apply for a Building Permit, intro](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/building-and-renovating/how-apply-building-permit)
  - Official wording: "secondary suites, swimming pools, plumbing, sprinklers, furnaces or structures in the City of Pitt Meadows" … "Depending on the location of your property and type of development, a development permit may be required prior to your building permit application."
  - Source: [Residential Permits, Secondary Suites](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/building-and-renovating/residential-permits)
  - Official wording: "All secondary suites are required to be registered with the City."
  - Source: [Secondary Suite and Garden Suite Licence Form, Information for the Applicant](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Application%20Form%20-%20Suites%20License.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Registration Fee of $50.00 (one-time)"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 (s. 5.4 secondary suites, s. 5.5 garden suites); Building Bylaw No. 2131, 2003; Secondary Suite Service Fee Bylaw No. 2613, 2013.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, sections 5.4, 5.5, Table 7.1), s. 5.4, 5.5](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-04/Zoning%20Bylaw%20No.%202505%2C%202011%20-%20Consolidated%20Version_2.pdf)
  - Official wording: "5.2 Uses Permitted in All Zones ....................................................................................................... 5-1 5.3 Home-Based Businesses ............................................................................................................ 5-2 5.4 Secondary Suites ........................................................................................................................ 5-4 5.5 Garden Suites ............................................................................................................................. 5-5 5.6 Bed and Breakfast ...................................................................................................................... 5-7" … "City of Pitt Meadows Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 Adopted October 4th, 2011"
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2131, 2003 - Consolidated Version, title](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-01/Building-Bylaw-No-2131%2C-2003-Consolidated-Version.pdf)
  - Official wording: "BUILDING BYLAW NO. 2131, 2003"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under [Zoning Bylaw No. 2505](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-04/Zoning%20Bylaw%20No.%202505%2C%202011%20-%20Consolidated%20Version_2.pdf), a secondary suite is allowed only where the zone lists it: the RS, R-3, R-4, R-6, RR-1 to RR-5, A-1 and A-2 zones. It must be inside the house, not in an accessory building. A duplex may have one in each unit. Garden suites (detached) are allowed as follows:

- R-3, R-4 and R-6: one or more.
- RS and RR-1 to RR-5: one, on a lot of at least 557 sq m, if the house has no secondary suite.
- A-1: only on lots under 8,094 sq m with a dwelling existing on January 21, 1992. The A-2 zone does not list them.

A garden suite must be freestanding, in the rear yard, and connected to municipal water, sewer and drainage.

## Steps

1. Confirm your zone on Meadows Mapview.
2. Apply for a building permit; the City lists secondary suites among work needing one. A development permit may be needed depending on location. Garden suites within 30 m of a watercourse or ditch need a Riparian Areas development permit.
3. Register the suite with the City using the licence form, with a floor plan and site plan and the one-time $50 fee.
4. Get an occupancy permit after the final inspection.

## Good to know

- Secondary suite: 33 to 90 sq m, one per principal dwelling unit. The owner must live in the house or the suite, or name a property management company in Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge or Port Coquitlam. Boarding is not permitted in a suite.
- Garden suite: 33 to 90 sq m including basement; 4.0 m high (6.0 m over a garage with lane access, in the RS, RR and A zones).
- Parking: one off-street space per secondary suite and one per garden suite outside R-3, R-4 and R-6. In R-3 and R-4: 0.5 per dwelling unit of 90 m² or less, 1.5 per unit over 90 m². The Garden Suites guide says no extra space is needed in R-6. A bylaw notice for no suite parking is $160 if paid within 14 days, $200 after.
- A secondary suite is not allowed on a lot with a garden suite, except in R-3, R-4 and R-6.
- The City's Garden Suites guide says A-1 and A-2 lots must be over 8 ha; the bylaw says otherwise, so confirm with Planning.
- Business Licensing Bylaw Schedule A lists a $10 licence under "Secondary Suites" for fees in force through December 31, 2026.

## What you'll need

- Secondary Suite and Garden Suite Licence Form with the $50 registration fee
- Floor plan and site plan

## Official forms and pages

- [Residential Permits](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/building-and-renovating/residential-permits)
- [Secondary Suite and Garden Suite Licence Form (PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Application%20Form%20-%20Suites%20License.pdf)
- [New Secondary Suite Checklist (PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2023-06/DM182224%20New_Secondary_Suite_Checklist.pdf)
- [Guide to Garden Suites (PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-02/Guide-to-Garden-Suites.pdf)
- [Secondary Suite Service Fee Bylaw 2613, 2013 (PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Secondary%20Suite%20Service%20Fee%20Bylaw%20No.%202613%2C%202013%20-%20Consolidated%20Version.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Pitt Meadows building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/building-permit.md)
- [Pitt Meadows zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/zoning-lookup.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite.md)
- [Maple Ridge](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/maple-ridge/secondary-suite.md)
- [Port Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/secondary-suite.md)
- [Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/secondary-suite.md)
- [Anmore](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/secondary-suite.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/secondary-suite.md)
- [Belcarra](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/secondary-suite.md)

## Sources

- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2439, 2009 (consolidated, PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/Bylaw-Notice-Enforcement-Bylaw-No-2439%2C-2009-Consolidated-Version.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Residential Permits, City of Pitt Meadows](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/building-and-renovating/residential-permits) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 - Consolidated Version (PDF, sections 5.4, 5.5, Table 7.1)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-04/Zoning%20Bylaw%20No.%202505%2C%202011%20-%20Consolidated%20Version_2.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Guide to Garden Suites, City of Pitt Meadows (PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-02/Guide-to-Garden-Suites.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Secondary Suite and Garden Suite Licence Form, City of Pitt Meadows (PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Application%20Form%20-%20Suites%20License.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [How to Apply for a Building Permit, City of Pitt Meadows](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/building-and-renovating/how-apply-building-permit) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Bylaw No. 2131, 2003 - Consolidated Version (PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-01/Building-Bylaw-No-2131%2C-2003-Consolidated-Version.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 Pitt Meadows. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/secondary-suite/_