{"title":"View Royal secondary suite and carriage house rules","question":"Can I add a secondary suite or a garden suite?","slug":"secondary-suite","place":{"path":"ca/bc/view-royal","name":"View Royal","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":"Town of View Royal","url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca"},"short_answer":"Often yes in the Town of View Royal, depending on your zone. One secondary suite inside a house needs a building permit. A garden suite (a detached backyard suite) needs a development permit ($550) and a building permit. Neither may be a short-term rental. Check your zone first.","aliases":["basement suite view royal","garden suite view royal","secondary suite permit","legal suite","type 2 secondary suite"],"cost":"Garden suite development permit $550 ($750 if a variance is needed), plus building permit fees. Type 2 suite annual renewal $100.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Building Services (secondary suites)","value":"250-708-2256"},{"type":"email","label":"Building Services","value":"buildingpermits@viewroyal.ca"},{"type":"email","label":"Planning (garden suites)","value":"planning@viewroyal.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Planning","value":"250-708-2254"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Secondary Suites page","url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/secondary-suites.html"},{"title":"Garden Suites page","url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/Land_Development/garden-suites.html"},{"title":"Secondary Suite Permit Renewal Form (PDF)","url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Documents-Forms/Building/Apps-Forms/Secondary%20Suite%20Renewal%20%20Form.pdf"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 900 (PDF)","url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/900%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20June%202026.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"View Royal building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/building-permit/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"View Royal zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"tree-removal","title":"View Royal tree removal rules and permits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/tree-removal/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/esquimalt","name":"Esquimalt","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/colwood","name":"Colwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/victoria","name":"Victoria","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/langford","name":"Langford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/saanich","name":"Saanich","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/highlands","name":"Highlands","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/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":"Accessory use in A-1, A-2, A-3 (lot at least 600 m²), R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2 (detached dwelling only) and CD-5, CD-9CS, CD-13, CD-19A, CD-21, CD-28C to E. Not allowed in CD-20 or CD-28A, B and F. The Town says most residential zones.","short":"Yes, in A, R-1, R-2 and listed CD zones","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/secondary-suites.html","title":"Secondary Suites, Town of View Royal","section":"Secondary Suites page","quotes":["Secondary suites are permitted in most residential zones that permit a single-family dwelling, subject to meeting the Zoning Bylaw and BC Building Code requirements.","some properties within a permitted zone may not be able to meet these requirements and therefore are not eligible to have a secondary suite."]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/900%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20June%202026.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw 900, consolidated to June 2026 (PDF; sections 4.1, 5.8, Schedule D and zone tables)","section":"ss. 7.1-8.5 zone tables","quotes":["Accessory Uses a) Home Occupation b) Secondary Suite c) Garden Suite, subject to Schedule D","b) Secondary Suite within a Residential Detached dwelling only","Secondary Suites per lot, maximum 1 (min. lot size of 600m2)","e) A secondary suites are not permitted in CD-28A, CD-28B and CD-28F."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"detached_allowed":{"label":"Coach house or garden suite allowed","value":"Detached suites are garden suites, an accessory use in R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2 and CD-5, CD-13, CD-16, CD-19A, CD-21, CD-28C to E. The A-1 to A-3 tables do not list them. A lot may have a garden suite and a secondary suite. No short-term rental or strata title.","short":"Yes, garden suites in R-1, R-1A to R-1C, R-2, some CD","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/Land_Development/garden-suites.html","title":"Garden Suites, Town of View Royal","section":"Garden Suites page","quotes":["Garden suites are permitted on all properties that allow a single-family detached dwelling, and that are appropriately zoned.","A property that has a single-family dwelling with a secondary suite may also have a garden suite on the same lot.","cannot be used for short-term rentals (i.e., Airbnb, VRBO, etc.), nor strata titled."]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/secondary-suites.html","title":"Secondary Suites, Town of View Royal","section":"Frequently Asked Questions","quotes":["Those dwelling units are referred to as Garden Suites."]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/900%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20June%202026.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw 900, consolidated to June 2026 (PDF; sections 4.1, 5.8, Schedule D and zone tables)","section":"zone tables; s. 3.3.4","quotes":["Accessory Uses a) Home Occupation b) Secondary Suite c) Kennel","3.3.4.A garden suite and secondary suite are both permitted on one lot as accessory to a residential, detached building"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"Only one secondary suite per lot; it cannot be subdivided or stratified. A lot off the Town sewer needs written confirmation of sewer capacity. No vacation rental use. Current Zoning s. 4.1 sets no size cap or owner-occupancy rule, but older Type 2 suite permits are renewed yearly before March 1 with an owner-occupancy declaration.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/900%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20June%202026.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw 900, consolidated to June 2026 (PDF; sections 4.1, 5.8, Schedule D and zone tables)","section":"ss. 4.1.1-4.1.3","quotes":["only one secondary suite is permitted on a lot.","written confirmation from the applicable licensing body that the capacity of the lot’s sewer system will not","must not be subdivided from the dwelling unit to which it is"]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/secondary-suites.html","title":"Secondary Suites, Town of View Royal","section":"Frequently Asked Questions","quotes":["A homeowner is permitted to have one secondary suite within the principal building.","Secondary suites are not permitted to be non-residential commercial overnight accommodation, including vacation rentals, Airbnb, etc., regardless of length of stay."]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/958%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20Sept%202026.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw 958, consolidated to September 2026 (PDF)","section":"s. 2(eee) and (fff), amending Bylaw 601","quotes":["providing a statutory declaration as to the owner-occupancy of the suite in the prescribed form","A secondary suite permit must be renewed annually before March 1"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"parking":{"label":"Parking","value":"One parking space per secondary suite, which cannot be in tandem with another required space. On a corner lot the space must be at least 6 m from the corner. A space not directly extending the driveway needs a permanent surface, screening at least 0.6 m high from neighbours, and access from the existing driveway.","short":"1 space per suite, not in tandem","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/900%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20June%202026.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw 900, consolidated to June 2026 (PDF; sections 4.1, 5.8, Schedule D and zone tables)","section":"Table 5.2; s. 5.8","quotes":["Secondary Suite 1 per dwelling unit, which cannot be in N/A tandem with another required space","must, in the case of a corner lot, be located at least 6m from the point of","be surfaced with permanent surface of asphalt, concrete or similar permeable","be screened from adjacent residential lot by a landscape screen not less than 0.6m in"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permits":{"label":"Permits","value":"A building permit is required for every new secondary suite (use the Part 9 Minor Projects application). The Town does not issue business licences for secondary suites. A garden suite needs a development permit (fee $550, or $750 if a variance is needed) and a building permit.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/secondary-suites.html","title":"Secondary Suites, Town of View Royal","section":"Secondary Suite Requirements","quotes":["All new secondary suites are required to be installed through a building permit to ensure compliance with the BC Building code and Town bylaws.","No, the Town does not issue business licenses for secondary suites."]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/building-permits.html","title":"Building & Plumbing Permits, Town of View Royal","section":"Application Forms","quotes":["For construction of interior or exterior renovations, additions, secondary suites, etc."]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/Land_Development/garden-suites.html","title":"Garden Suites, Town of View Royal","section":"How to Apply","quotes":["A development permit and building permit are required.","The Development Permit Application fee is $550.00. If a variance is required, then the application fee increases to $750.00."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014 (ss. 4.1, 5.8, 5.10 and Schedule D, Garden Suite Regulations); Building Bylaw No. 1111, 2023","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/900%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20June%202026.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw 900, consolidated to June 2026 (PDF; sections 4.1, 5.8, Schedule D and zone tables)","section":"ss. 4.1, 5.8, Schedule D","quotes":["ZONING BYLAW NO. 900, 2014","4.1 SECONDARY SUITES","SCHEDULE D: GARDEN SUITE REGULATIONS"]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1111%20-%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 1111, 2023 (PDF)","section":"title","quotes":["BUILDING BYLAW NO. 1111, 2023"]}],"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\nThe Town of View Royal allows secondary suites in most residential zones that allow a single-family dwelling, subject to the [Zoning Bylaw](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/900%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20June%202026.pdf) and BC Building Code. Some lots will not qualify. Check your zone on the Zoning Map, then the zone table.\n\n- **Secondary suite** (inside the house): an accessory use in A-1, A-2, A-3 (lot at least 600 m2), R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2 (detached dwelling only) and CD-5, CD-9CS, CD-13, CD-19A, CD-21 and CD-28C to E. It is not allowed in CD-20 or CD-28A, B and F. Other zones were not all checked.\n- **Garden suite** (detached): an accessory use in R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2 and CD-5, CD-13, CD-16, CD-19A, CD-21 and CD-28C to E. The A-1 to A-3 tables do not list garden suites, although the Town's page says all zones allowing a single-family dwelling. A lot may have both a garden suite and a secondary suite.\n\nOnly one secondary suite is allowed per lot. Neither type of suite can be stratified or used as a vacation rental. A lot off the Town sewer needs written confirmation of sewer capacity. Parking: one space per secondary suite, not in tandem with another required space, and at least 6 m from the corner on a corner lot.\n\n## Steps for a secondary suite\n\n1. Check your zone and read Zoning Bylaw sections 4.1 and 5.8.\n2. Apply for a building permit using the Part 9 Minor Projects application. The Town does not issue business licences for secondary suites.\n3. Book inspections as work proceeds. Decommissioning a suite also needs a Part 9 Minor Projects permit.\n\n## Steps for a garden suite\n\n1. Confirm your zone allows one and that trees are protected (a tree permit and arborist report may be needed).\n2. Plan how it will be serviced.\n3. Apply for a development permit at planning@viewroyal.ca or in person. The fee is $550, or $750 if a variance is needed. Pay in person by cheque, cash or debit.\n4. Then apply for a building permit.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Garden suite limits (Schedule D): rear yard only, at least 1.5 m from side and rear lot lines and 3.5 m from a flanking street, no deck, balcony or rooftop patio. Floor area is 37 m2 on lots up to 549 m2, 60 m2 on lots of 550 to 999 m2, and 65 m2 on lots of 1,000 m2 or more. Height is 3.5 m on lots up to 549 m2 and 4.5 m on larger lots.\n- A garden suite is not allowed on a lot with a Level 3 home occupation.\n- Type 2 suites (permitted before September 1, 2007, not inspected for code compliance) need an annual permit renewal before March 1 ($100). Renewal needs a statutory declaration of owner-occupancy. A lapsed permit needs a new application. Getting a building permit to bring the suite up to code ends the renewals.\n- The current Zoning Bylaw section 4.1 sets no floor area cap or owner-occupancy rule for new suites. Ask Building Services if you are unsure.\n- To check whether a suite is legal, email buildingpermits@viewroyal.ca.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/secondary-suites.html","title":"Secondary Suites, Town of View Royal","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/Land_Development/garden-suites.html","title":"Garden Suites, Town of View Royal","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/building-permits.html","title":"Building & Plumbing Permits, Town of View Royal","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/900%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20June%202026.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw 900, consolidated to June 2026 (PDF; sections 4.1, 5.8, Schedule D and zone tables)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/958%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20Sept%202026.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw 958, consolidated to September 2026 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1111%20-%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 1111, 2023 (PDF)","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/view-royal/secondary-suite/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/secondary-suite.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/secondary-suite.json"}}