{"title":"Port Alberni secondary suite and carriage house rules","question":"Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?","slug":"secondary-suite","place":{"path":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","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 Port Alberni","url":"https://www.portalberni.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes, in some zones. Port Alberni's Zoning Bylaw 5105 allows a secondary suite in the A1, FD, RR, R and C9 zones, limited to 40% of the habitable floor space, with the main home permanently occupied and one extra parking space. Carriage houses and garden suites are allowed in RR and R zones.","aliases":["basement suite port alberni","secondary suite permit port alberni","carriage house port alberni","accessory dwelling unit port alberni","legalize suite port alberni"],"cost":"Building permit fees apply; see the building-permit-fees answer.","how_long":"Residential permits take 8 to 10 weeks, per the City's Building Services page.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Development Services","value":"250-720-2835"},{"type":"email","label":"Development Services","value":"developmentservices@portalberni.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Development Services","value":"Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Secondary Suites","url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/secondary-suites"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)","url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf"},{"title":"Building Services","url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Port Alberni building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/parksville","name":"Parksville","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/lantzville","name":"Lantzville","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/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 listed accessory use in the A1, FD, RR, R and C9 zones, inside a principal building. In C9 it is allowed only where a single detached dwelling is the principal use, not with a guest house or bed and breakfast.","short":"Yes, in A1, FD, RR, R and C9 zones","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 5.7.1, 5.8.1, 5.9.1, 5.10.1, 5.23.3(d), 6.29","quotes":["Housing for farm labour Secondary suite","Kennel Secondary suite","Multi-residential dwellings Secondary Suite Aviary","Multi-residential dwellings Secondary Suite Bed and Breakfast","Secondary suites are only permitted on those lots where a single detached dwelling is the principal use.","May be located within a principal building on the following conditions:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"detached_allowed":{"label":"Coach house or garden suite allowed","value":"Carriage houses and garden suites (accessory dwelling units) are listed as accessory uses in the RR and R zones. A garden suite must be in the rear yard; a carriage house cannot be in the front setback or in front of the house.","short":"Yes, in RR and R zones","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 5.9.1, 5.10.1, 6.21","quotes":["Semi-detached dwelling Accessory Dwelling Unit Multi-residential dwellings Secondary Suite","Is located in a rear yard;","Is not located in the required front yard setback area or in front of the principal building;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"Secondary suite: at most 40% of the habitable floor space of the principal building, fully inside the single principal residence, and the principal dwelling must be permanently occupied. Carriage house or garden suite: at most 90 m² and 8.5 m high.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 6.29, 6.21","quotes":["May not exceed 40% of the habitable floor space of the principal building;","Must be fully contained within the principal residence which is a single real estate entity;","The principal dwelling is permanently occupied.","Does not exceed a maximum height of 8.5 m;","Does not contain a gross floor area greater than 90 m2;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City's Secondary Suites web page (March 2014 bylaw) adds a 90 m2 cap (whichever is less) and says the home must be owner-occupied; the current Bylaw 5105 s. 6.29 has no 90 m2 cap and says 'permanently occupied'. The bylaw is followed. Carriage house floor area excludes a first-storey garage."},"parking":{"label":"Parking","value":"One extra space for a secondary suite, on top of the house's standard requirement. The parking table lists 1 space per unit for suites or accessory dwelling units, and 1 space per single detached dwelling.","short":"1 extra space, plus the house's standard","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 6.29(c), 7.9","quotes":["Must be provided with a parking space additional to the standard parking space","Suites or Accessory Dwelling Units 1 space per unit","Single detached dwelling 1 space per unit"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City's old Secondary Suites web page says three spaces in total (two for the house plus one); under Bylaw 5105 the house needs 1 space, so the suite's extra space makes 2."},"permits":{"label":"Permits","value":"A building permit is needed, with the Secondary Suite Pre-Application Checklist (or the ADU checklist for a carriage house or garden suite). Building Services also lists a Secondary Suite Authorization Permit for existing suites.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings","title":"Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), City of Port Alberni","section":"Forms","quotes":["Secondary Suite Pre-Application Checklist (Must also be included with Building Permit Applications for secondary suites)","Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Pre-Application Checklist (Must also be included with Building Permit Applications for ADU's)"]},{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services","title":"Building Services, City of Port Alberni","section":"Building Services FAQ","quotes":["Authorize an existing Secondary Suite or build a new Secondary Suite"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (sections 5, 6.21, 6.29, 7.9) and Building Bylaw No. 5077","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 6.29","quotes":["applicable zone, or within 3 m of any lot line adjoining an R, RM, or MH zone. 6.29 Secondary Suites May be located within a principal building on the following conditions:","Bylaw No. 5105 Bylaw No. 5105"]},{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings","title":"Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), City of Port Alberni","section":"Step One","quotes":["Building Bylaw No. 5077, Zoning Bylaw No. 5105"]}],"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 5105](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf), a secondary suite is a listed accessory use in the A1, FD, RR, R and C9 zones, inside the principal building. In C9 it is allowed only where a single detached dwelling is the principal use, not with a guest house or bed and breakfast. RM, MH and commercial zones list no secondary suite.\n\nA suite may take at most 40% of the habitable floor space of the principal building, must be fully inside the single principal residence, and the principal dwelling must be permanently occupied. It needs one extra parking space on top of the house's requirement.\n\nCarriage houses and garden suites (accessory dwelling units) are listed in the RR and R zones. They may be at most 90 m² and 8.5 m high. A garden suite must be in the rear yard; a carriage house cannot be in the front setback or in front of the house. Without direct street access, a path of at least 1.0 m is needed.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Confirm your zone with Development Services (see the zoning lookup answer).\n2. Apply for a building permit with the Secondary Suite Pre-Application Checklist (or the ADU checklist for a carriage house or garden suite).\n3. For an existing suite, Building Services also lists a Secondary Suite Authorization Permit.\n4. Pass inspections before anyone occupies the suite.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- A development permit may also be needed if the lot is in a Development Permit Area; ask Development Services.\n- The City's older Secondary Suites web page, written for the 2014 bylaw, says the home must be owner-occupied, suites are not allowed in duplexes, and the suite is capped at 90 m2 or 40%, whichever is less, with three parking spaces in total. The current bylaw is followed here; confirm with the City.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services","title":"Building Services, City of Port Alberni","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings","title":"Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), City of Port Alberni","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/port-alberni/secondary-suite/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/secondary-suite.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/secondary-suite.json"}}