Residential suites contribute to the city’s rental housing stock and can act as mortgage helpers by making home ownership more attainable. Suites built to BC Building Code standards under a building permit help to protect the health and safety of homeowners and tenants, and suites built in accordance with zoning regulations help to minimize their impact on neighbourhoods. Residential suites also help increase density in an efficient and sustainable way by making use of existing services and infrastructure.
In June 2024, the City’s zoning regulations for suites were updated to comply with Bill 44, the Housing Statutes (Residential Development Act). Key changes are as follows:
- One Residential Suite (Carriage Suite, Garden Suite, or Secondary Suite,) is now permitted on lots zoned R5, R6, R7, R8, CR1, CR2, CR3 or A1 (except in a duplex or a lot within the Rayleigh Waterworks District)*;
- Multiple dwelling units, which may include Residential Suites, are permitted on lots zoned R1, R3, R3, or R4*; and
- Carriage Suites and Garden Suites (but not Secondary Suites) may be strata-titled.
*Note: in addition to complying with zoning regulations, all development must comply with the BC Building Code, the Subdivision and Development Control Bylaw, and other applicable regulations. Due to servicing limitations, the number or configuration of units built on a lot may be more restricted than what zoning allows.
Secondary Suite Construction Requirements
A summary of technical construction requirements within the BC Building Code for secondary suites.
Secondary Suite Construction Requirements Guide
Residential Suite Registry
An interactive map that shows the location of legal residential suites (suites constructed under a building permit and in accordance with zoning regulations). Homeowners with a legal residential suite can use this tool to stand out in the rental market. Tenants looking for places to rent can use the map to see if a suite is legal and built to BC Building Code requirements under a building permit.
Other Resources and Links
- City of Kamloops CityMap - View zoning, land use, utilities, development applications, and other helpful information. (Note: The Zoning layer is off by default, and the map layer must be activated under Planning and Development > Zoning).
- City of Kamloops Property Information Portal - Detailed information on a property-by-property basis.
- Application Forms and Guides - Find forms and guides to assist in your application process.
- City of Kamloops Residential Suite Compliance Policy
- City of Kamloops Zoning Bylaw
- Official Community Plan (KAMPLAN)
- Intensive Residential Development Permit Area Guidelines
- City of Kamloops Building Bylaw
- BC Building Code
- BC Residential Tenancy Branch - Information, education and dispute resolution services for landlords and tenants.
