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

# Vernon secondary suite and carriage house rules

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

**Short answer:** Often, depending on your zone and lot. In the City of Vernon, Zoning Bylaw 6000 allows a secondary suite (inside a house) in several zones, and a detached accessory dwelling unit (coach house, garden suite) in some. You need a building permit. Confirm your lot with Planning.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Vernon, https://www.vernon.ca)  
**Cost:** Building permit fees apply (see building-permit-fees). Fees and Charges Bylaw 3909 also lists a $60 a year secondary suite business licence fee and a $30 annual declaration processing fee; ask the City whether they apply to you.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Planning and Community Services, 250-550-3634
- Email: Planning, planning@vernon.ca
- In person: Community Services Building, 3001 32 Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 2L8

## Key facts

- **Secondary suite allowed:** Yes. A secondary suite is a dwelling unit inside a detached, semi-detached or townhouse building. Allowed in AGRL, AGRS, and in MUS, MUA and RTH lots without full services (1 home plus 1 suite); on serviced MUS lots a suite counts toward the 3 to 6 unit cap. ALR: only lots under 1 ha without sewer.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, section 3.3.8, Definitions](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/6000%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20COMBINED.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Secondary Suite means a Dwelling Unit that is subordinate to, and located within, a Building" … "Dwelling Units may include Secondary Suites and/or Accessory" … "Maximum Density: 1 Dwelling Unit, plus 1 Secondary Suite, plus 1 Accessory Dwelling Unit"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, section 3.3.8, s. 8.2.3](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/6000%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20COMBINED.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Maximum Density: 1 Dwelling Unit, plus 1 Secondary Suite, plus 1 Accessory Dwelling Unit"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** Yes, in some zones. An accessory dwelling unit (coach house, garden suite) is allowed in AGRL; AGRS (over 1 ha without sewer, or any lot on community sewer); MUS class 2; MUA classes 2 and 3; and RTH class 2 (community sewer). Not allowed everywhere.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, section 3.3.8, Definitions](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/6000%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20COMBINED.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) means an Accessory Building used in whole or part as a" … "Maximum Density: 1 Dwelling Unit, plus 1 Secondary Suite, plus 1 Accessory Dwelling Unit"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, section 3.3.8, s. 8.2.3](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/6000%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20COMBINED.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Maximum Density: 1 Dwelling Unit, plus 1 Secondary Suite, plus 1 Accessory Dwelling Unit"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, section 3.3.8, s. 9.1.3 (Class 2)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/6000%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20COMBINED.pdf)
  - Official wording: "plus 1 Accessory Dwelling Unit"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Limits:** Secondary suite: gross floor area no more than 49% of the dwelling it serves; separate exterior entrance (or shared hall); private amenity area; lit, barrier-free 1.5 m path from the street. Accessory dwelling unit: net floor area no more than 100 m², building height 8.0 m, no rooftop deck. Minimum dwelling unit size 30 m².
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, Section 5 Specific Use Regulations, s. 5.4.1.1](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-5-specific-use-regulations.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The Gross Floor Area of a Secondary Suite shall not exceed 49% of the Gross Floor"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, Section 5 Specific Use Regulations, s. 5.4.1.3-5.4.1.4](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-5-specific-use-regulations.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Secondary Suites must have a separate entrance with exterior access, except where" … "A 1.5 m wide Barrier-free, lit, and clearly marked pathway from the Street to the main"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, Section 5 Specific Use Regulations, s. 5.4.2.1-5.4.2.5](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-5-specific-use-regulations.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The Net Floor Area of an Accessory Dwelling Unit must not exceed 100 m²." … "The maximum Height of an Accessory Building with an Accessory Dwelling Unit is" … "Rooftop Decks or patios are not permitted on Accessory Dwelling Units."
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, Section 5 Specific Use Regulations, s. 5.2.1](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-5-specific-use-regulations.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The minimum size of a Dwelling Unit is 30 m² (323 ft²) Net Floor Area"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Parking:** Zoning Table 7.7 sets 1.0 vehicle space per dwelling unit minimum (4.0 maximum) for small scale multi-unit housing. A suite is a dwelling unit. No parking is required within 400 m of a Frequent Transit Route or in a Transit Oriented Development Area.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, Section 7 Parking, Loading and Bike Parking, s. 7.3.5; Table 7.7](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-7-parking-loading-and-bike-parking.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Mobile Home 1.0 per 4.0 per" … "Buildings and Uses located in a TOD Area or within 400 m from the centerline of road"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Permits:** A building permit is required to add a secondary suite. A development permit is also needed first if the property is in a development permit area set by the Official Community Plan.
  - Source: [Building Permit Application](https://www.vernon.ca/homes-building/permits-applications/building-permit-application/building-permit-application)
  - Official wording: "This includes new buildings, renovations, secondary suites, and structural changes."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 5900, s. 10.1(a)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "the owner must apply for and obtain a development permit if the building"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 6000, s. 5.4 (Secondary Suites & Accessory Dwellings) and zone density tables; Building Bylaw No. 5900
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 6000, Section 5 Specific Use Regulations, s. 5.4](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-5-specific-use-regulations.pdf)
  - Official wording: "5.4 Secondary Suites & Accessory Dwellings"
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 5900, s. 1.1](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "City of Vernon Building Bylaw No. 5900, 2021"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

In [Zoning Bylaw 6000](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-5-specific-use-regulations.pdf), a secondary suite is a dwelling unit inside a detached, semi-detached or townhouse building. A detached coach house or garden suite is an "accessory dwelling unit". Which you can have depends on your zone, lot size and servicing, so confirm your lot class with Planning before you plan.

## Steps

1. Confirm your zone and lot class with Planning (planning@vernon.ca or 250-550-3634).
2. If your property is in a development permit area set by the Official Community Plan, a development permit is needed first.
3. Apply for a building permit. The checklist asks for a secondary suite assessment file number, if applicable.

## Good to know

- Secondary suites are allowed in AGRL and AGRS, and in MUS, MUA and RTH lots without full services (one home plus one suite). On serviced MUS lots, a suite counts toward the cap of 3 to 6 units. In the ALR, only lots under 1 ha without sewer qualify.
- Accessory dwelling units are allowed in AGRL; AGRS (over 1 ha without sewer, or any lot on community sewer); MUS class 2; MUA classes 2 and 3; and RTH class 2 (community sewer). They are not allowed everywhere.
- Secondary suite: gross floor area no more than 49% of the dwelling it serves; a separate exterior entrance (or shared hall); a private amenity area; and a lit, barrier-free 1.5 m path from the street.
- Accessory dwelling unit: net floor area no more than 100 m², building height 8.0 m, no rooftop deck. Where it sits in a larger accessory building, the total footprint may not exceed 150 m². Minimum dwelling unit size is 30 m².
- Parking: Table 7.7 is reported to set a minimum of 1.0 vehicle space per dwelling unit (maximum 4.0) for small scale multi-unit housing, and a suite is a dwelling unit. Confirm with Planning. No parking is required within 400 m of a Frequent Transit Route or in a Transit Oriented Development Area.
- An unlawful secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit can bring a bylaw notice of $250 ($225 if paid within 14 days) or a municipal ticket of $500 ($450 early).

## Official forms and pages

- [Section 5 - Specific Use Regulations, Zoning Bylaw 6000 (PDF)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-5-specific-use-regulations.pdf)
- [Section 9.1 - MUS Multi-Unit Small Scale zone (PDF)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-9_1-mus.pdf)
- [Building Permit Application page](https://www.vernon.ca/homes-building/permits-applications/building-permit-application/building-permit-application)

## Related questions

- [Vernon building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/building-permit.md)
- [Vernon permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/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)
- [Coldstream](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/secondary-suite.md)
- [Lake Country](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/secondary-suite.md)
- [Spallumcheen](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/spallumcheen/secondary-suite.md)
- [Armstrong](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/armstrong/secondary-suite.md)
- [Lumby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lumby/secondary-suite.md)
- [Enderby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/secondary-suite.md)

## Sources

- [Zoning Bylaw 6000, Section 5 Specific Use Regulations (PDF)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-5-specific-use-regulations.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Zoning Bylaw 6000, Section 9.1 MUS Multi-Unit Small Scale (PDF)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-9_1-mus.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Zoning Bylaw 6000, Section 7 Parking, Loading and Bike Parking (PDF)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/section-7-parking-loading-and-bike-parking.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Bylaw 5900 (PDF)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Permit Application, City of Vernon](https://www.vernon.ca/homes-building/permits-applications/building-permit-application/building-permit-application) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 6048 (PDF)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%206048.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 6049 (PDF)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/Municipal%20Ticketing%20Information%20Bylaw%206049.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Contact Us, City of Vernon](https://www.vernon.ca/government-services/contact-us) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw 3909, consolidated (PDF)](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/fees_and_charges_bylaw_3909_consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Zoning Bylaw 6000, section 3.3.8](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/zoning/bylaw6000/6000%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20COMBINED.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 Vernon. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/secondary-suite/_